Foundling | Tortoise Investigates

Carola Vinuesa, a scientist at The Francis Crick Institute, shares her groundbreaking work that applies genetic discoveries in legal settings. She discusses the heart-wrenching case of Kathleen Folbigg, who was wrongfully imprisoned for her children's deaths. As new genetic evidence emerges, Vinuesa highlights the emotional turmoil intertwined with the legal battle for justice. Listeners are taken through a poignant journey of hope, healing, and the critical need for scientific accountability in the courtroom.

Join leading geneticist Carola Vinuesa, who investigates disease genetics, and law professor Emma Cunliffe, author of "Murder, Medicine and Motherhood," as they delve into the tragic case of Kathleen Folbigg. They discuss the emotional fallout of wrongful conviction and the harrowing prison experience of a mother labeled a child killer. Explore the critical role of genetic testing in uncovering the truth, the ethical dilemmas faced by scientists, and the intersection of science and justice as they seek to illuminate a path toward Kathleen's innocence.

Journalist Rachel Sylvester dives into the chilling narrative of Australia's worst serial killer and the mothers ensnared in tragic accusations. The podcast dissects the flawed statistics that led to wrongful convictions, spotlighting the harrowing tales of Kathleen Folbigg and Sally Clark, both victims of misapplied justice. It critiques the legal system's reliance on inaccurate expert testimonies and challenges societal biases against mothers, illuminating the urgent need for a reevaluation of how child death cases are prosecuted.

Introducing...The Lab DetectiveKathleen Folbigg experienced unimaginable loss. All four of her infant children died suddenly, over a 10-year period. Their deaths were unexplained. Until a police detective turned up at her door, and arrested Kathleen on suspicion of murder. She was labelled ‘Australia's worst female serial killer’, convicted, and was destined to spend most of the rest of her life in jail. Until a different type of detective entered her life. A scientist working in a lab who uncovered the truth behind the deaths. This is the story of a shocking miscarriage of justice, but as journalist Rachel Sylvester starts to investigate how this happened, she learns that Kathleen is not alone – other mothers have endured the same fate, and may also be in prison. The Lab Detective is a story about the power of science, and the determination of those searching for the truth.The full series is available to listen now. Reporters: Rachel Sylvester Producer: Gary MarshallExecutive editor: Basia Cummings Music supervisor: Karla Patella Sound design: Rowan Bishop Artwork: Lola Williams Fact checking: Ada Barume and Madeline ParrOur thanks to The Francis Crick Institute for sharing recordings and insights.Watch a short documentary on the genomics team behind Kathleen Folbigg's case filmed at the CrickTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalistsIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Lucky Boy launched back in March, there was an important detail that didn't make it into the podcast, for legal reasons: the team had discovered that they weren’t the only people who had been investigating the allegations made by Gareth - the Metropolitan Police had been too. Now, reporter Chloe Hadjimatheou has an update.To find out more about The Observer: Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content head to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalistsIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Deep dive into the complexities of teacher-student relationships, exploring trust, silence, and emotional fallout. Hear personal stories of past abuse and the painful realities of betrayal faced by victims. Emotional confrontations arise from a tribunal hearing as inconsistencies emerge in testimonies. Reflect on societal double standards in relationships and the lasting impact of formative experiences. This thought-provoking narrative emphasizes the importance of breaking the silence around trauma and empowering victims to share their stories.

Chloe hears from a former teacher who seems to support what Gareth believes - that there was a cover-up. And it’s still going on today.You can find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.comReported and produced by: Chloe Hadjimatheou and Gary MarshallSound design: Hannah VarrallPodcast artwork: Lola WilliamsExecutive producer: Basia Cummings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A gripping exploration of troubling memories unfolds as Gareth recalls his time at Christ College, questioning the reliability of his recollections. The podcast investigates a controversial teacher-student relationship, revealing societal silence and the urgent need for accountability. Reflections on changing norms challenge listeners to consider the complexities of consent and authority. The emotional turmoil and lingering impacts of hidden secrets resonate throughout, urging a dialogue on child protection and the role of educators in safeguarding students.

A man reflects on his teenage years, where he felt lucky for attracting his teacher's attention. But as he confronts the past, dark truths emerge, revealing the long-lasting effects of a troubling incident. Nostalgia intermingles with pain, as he navigates the complexities of innocence and desire. The discussion highlights societal biases surrounding sexual abuse and the importance of seeking validation. Meanwhile, humorous promotions provide a lighthearted contrast to the serious themes explored.

A teenage romance spirals into a tangled web of emotions and moral dilemmas. Gareth's innocent infatuation with his teacher leads him through a journey of loss and disillusionment. The narrative questions the fine line between victim and perpetrator in a school setting. With a blend of passion and regret, it delves into the complexities surrounding power dynamics and accountability in relationships. Prepare for a thought-provoking exploration of innocence, guilt, and the quest for justice.