A Moment In Crime

NZME

From the NZ Herald newsroom comes A Moment in Crime - a podcast delving into some of New Zealand’s biggest cases.

Anna Leask has been a crime and justice reporter at the Herald for more than a decade.

Each month she'll take you inside some of our most infamous incidents, notorious offenders and behind the scenes of high profile trials and events to show you what’s really happening in your backyard. read less

A fatal party: The Edgeware Road murders
May 25 2023
A fatal party: The Edgeware Road murders
On May 5 2007 Lipine Sila murdered Hannah Rossiter and Jane Young and caused grievous bodily harm to eight other teens when he drove his car through a crowd outside a party in the Christchurch suburb of Edgeware.  The collision took place after Sila and his brother had been involved in fights at the gathering. Sila claimed he was scared for his life and was trying to get away from people attacking him - and that he never meant to harm any of the victims. However a jury found him guilty of murder and in 2008 he was jailed for life with a minimum non-parole period of 17 years.  The murders were like nothing seen in New Zealand before. They impacted many in Christchurch - from the family and friends of the dead girls to their schoolmates and community, the wider city and the country.  There was anger towards Sila, toward those who organised the party - which had been widely shared and discussed on social media in the week leading up to it - and police for their response when it was clear it was about to go haywire. In this episode of A Moment In Crime senior journalist Anna Leask revisit the Edgeware Road murders - taking you inside the tragic party, the police handling of it and the trial and sentencing of one of the country's most notorious double murderers. For more on the murders and aftermath visit nzherald.co.nz or click on the links below. Brother admits 'I lost the plot' on night of deaths Edgeware Road murder trial evidence ends Murderer Sila convicted of prison assault Review clears police over Edgeware Rd A Moment In Crime is an NZME podcast produced monthly by Leask, who has been a specialist crime and justice reporter for almost two decades.  This episode was written and produced by Anna Leask and edited by NZME audio engineer James Irwin. If there is a case you would like Leask to consider covering please email anna.leask@nzme.co.nzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Murder of a tourist: The tragedy of Karen Aim
Apr 16 2023
Murder of a tourist: The tragedy of Karen Aim
In January 2008 Scottish woman Karen Aim was beaten to death while she was visiting Taupō on a trip around New Zealand. The 26-year-old was murdered in the street by a local teenager who had been vandalising a nearby school with a baseball bat. He then used the weapon to murder the innocent woman. Jahche Broughton was jailed for life and has been denied parole a number of times.  In this episode of A Moment In Crime host and senior journalist Anna Leask goes back to the day Karen died, speaking to the person who found her and raising the alarm. You'll also hear in-depth coverage of the court case and parole hearings of Karen's teen killer.  A woman attacked by Broughton a week before the murder also spoke to Leask. This episode outlines violent and sexual offending and is suitable for a mature audience.  For more on Karen's case and the prosecution of Jahche Broughton - visit nzherald.co.nz or click the links below. Teen killer Jahche Broughton gives new insight into brutal murder of Scottish tourist Karen Aim Backpacker murder: Karen Aim's killer Jahche Broughton declined parole Coroner's inquest into Karen Aim death Out of the darkness The podcast is produced by Leask iHeart radio podcast producer James Irwin and NZ Herald podcast production manager Ethan Sills. Episodes of a Moment In Crime are released monthly on nzherald.co.nz, iheart radio and all your usual podcast apps.   And if you love this podcast, you might enjoy another series Leask wrote and produced - Chasing Ghosts - which focuses on the disappearance of Southland toddler Amber-Lee Cruickshank. If you have a crime or case you’d like us to consider covering, email anna.leask@nzme.co.nz See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Where is Sara Niethe - the 20-year mystery and the new hunt for a missing mum
Mar 28 2023
Where is Sara Niethe - the 20-year mystery and the new hunt for a missing mum
March 30 marks the 20th anniversary of Waikato mother-of-three Sara Niethe's disappearance. Her body has never been found despite her boyfriend Mark Pakenham admitting he killed her. Pakenham was charged with her murder in 2011 but before his case went to trial he pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of manslaughter. He has always refused to tell police where Niethe’s body is, but admitted he injected Niethe with methamphetamine on March 30, 2003, causing her death. Twenty years on from Sara's death her children - now all adults with their own families -have commissioned a new search and hope that finally, they can find the answers and evidence they have always longed for.  If you can help find Sara or have any information about her death email anna.leask@nzme.co.nz or private investigator Bruce Currie bruce@mrtracer.co.nz You can also contact the police on non-emergency phone number 105 or the anonymous crime reporting line Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.  For more on Sara's case click on the links below: Cold-case killing: Shock guilty plea Sara Niethe killer's long history of drugs, threats Cold-case killer Mark Pakenham released on parole Sara Niethe cold case: New search under way for body of Waikato mum killed with a ‘shot of meth’ FAMILY VIOLENCE - DO YOU NEED HELP? If you're in danger now: • Phone the police on 111 or ask neighbours of friends to ring for you.• Run outside and head for where there are other people.• Scream for help so that your neighbours can hear you.• Take the children with you.• Don't stop to get anything else.• If you are being abused, remember it's not your fault. Violence is never okay Where to go for help or more information: • Shine, free national helpline 9am- 11pm every day - 0508 744 633 www.2shine.org.nz• Women's Refuge: Free national crisis line operates 24/7 - 0800 refuge or 0800 733 843 www.womensrefuge.org.nz• Shakti: Providing specialist cultural services for African, Asian and middle eastern women and their children. Crisis line 24/7 0800 742 584• It's Not Ok: Information line 0800 456 450 www.areyouok.org.nz CREDITS: A Moment In Crime is an NZME podcast written and hosted by Anna Leask, senior crime and justice reporter for the New Zealand Herald.  The podcast is produced by myself, iHeart radio podcast producer James Irwin and NZ Herald podcast production manager Ethan Sills. Episodes of a Moment In Crime are released monthly on nzherald.co.nz, iheart radio and all your usual podcast apps.   And if you love this podcast, you might enjoy another series I wrote and produced - Chasing Ghosts - which focuses on the disappearance of Southland toddler Amber-Lee Cruickshank. If you have a crime or case you’d like me to consider covering, email anna.leask@nzme.co.nz    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Finding Carmen Thomas: The mystery of the missing mother
Feb 17 2023
Finding Carmen Thomas: The mystery of the missing mother
Warning: this episode contains graphic descriptions of murder and the disposal of a body and is suitable for a mature audience only.  In 2010 Auckland woman Carmen Thomas was reported missing by her ex-partner Brad Callaghan. He told police she had failed to pick up their little boy as per their shared custody arrangement and he was worried. Police launched an investigation but there was no sign of Carmen. Three months later Callaghan was arrested and the brutal and macabre details of Carmen's murder and his attempts to avoid being caught came to light. The case is one of New Zealand's most high-profile murder investigations and in this episode of A Moment In Crime senior journalist Anna Leask goes back through the timeline of tragedy.  This episode includes short extracts from the television show Forensics - a prime-time documentary ‘crime’ series that aired in New Zealand in 2017. The show was produced by South Pacific Pictures. To read more about Carmen Thomas, click on the links to stories published in the NZ Herald, Weekend Herald and Herald on Sunday below. If there is a case you want to hear about on A Moment In Crime, please email host and producer Anna Leask anna.leask@nzme.co.nz  https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/cctv-footage-clue-in-carmen-inquiry/E7DU36D5GJHTLU2SJOYLFQR5VE/ https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/carmen-thomas-murder-brad-callaghan-hid-his-dark-secret-behind-sinister-mask-of-deception/ST6ZX3NHVSMKWNKDJUFWGT5K7E/ https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/revealed-how-science-caught-carmen-thomas-killer/E5S5N2Y2VS5BHLEH4U3MOYZAGQ/ https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/parenting-the-parentless-raising-the-children-of-family-violence-murders-in-new-zealand/FEPWLQBXEBDENEK65VJCQODXYA/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Women who kill: New Zealand's grisly roll of dishonour
Dec 26 2022
Women who kill: New Zealand's grisly roll of dishonour
Police figures show between mid-2012 and 2022, about 280 people were convicted of murder in Aotearoa. Of those, 9.5 per cent of offenders - 26 in total - were women.A further 47 women were convicted of manslaughter, 27 per cent of the 271 total offenders in that category. n the latest episode of A Moment In Crime senior crime and justice reporter Anna Leask looks back at some of New Zealand’s most shocking cases of murder, manslaughter and even some mercy killings carried out by women. This episode of A Moment In Crime references violence towards a child domestic violence - if you need help, or have concerns about someone else, please scroll down for a list of crisis and support agencies. READ MORE: click here for Anna Leask's coverage on women who kill   DO YOU NEED HELP? Child abuse If you are worried about a child or have information about any young person being abused, please contact the police. Information can be passed on to your local police or anonymously through the Crimestoppers reporting line on 0800 555 111. If you’re worried about a child you are urged to contact Oranga Tamariki immediately on 0508 326 459; or email contact@mvcot.govt.nz. If the child or young person is in immediate danger, call police on 111. Family violence If you’re in danger now: • Phone the police on 111 or ask neighbours of friends to ring for you.• Run outside and head for where there are other people.• Scream for help so that your neighbours can hear you.• Take the children with you.• Don’t stop to get anything else. If you are being abused, remember it’s not your fault. Violence is never okay. Where to go for help or more information: • Shine, free national helpline available 24/7 - 0508 744 633 www.2shine.org.nz• Women’s Refuge: Free national crisis line operates 24/7 - 0800 refuge or 0800 733 843 www.womensrefuge.org.nz• Shakti: Providing specialist cultural services for African, Asian and middle eastern women and their children. Crisis line 24/7 0800 742 584• It’s Not Ok: Information line 0800 456 450 www.areyouok.org.nzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Under the bridge: the hidden and horrible murders of Pakeeza and Jojo
Dec 11 2022
Under the bridge: the hidden and horrible murders of Pakeeza and Jojo
For nearly eight years Auckland woman Pakeeza Yusuf and her 3-yeard-old daughter, Juwairiyah “Jojo” Kalim, lay covered by stone and mud on Auckland’s North Shore. They were murdered as they slept in late 2006 but for many years nobody knew about their grisly fate. A decade later in 2016, Kamal Gyanendra Reddy was found guilty of their murder by a jury. A six-month undercover police operation drew a confession from him on October 14, 2014, where he admitted to strangling Pakeeza with the cord of an electric iron, and smothering Jojo to cover up his ghastly offending. This episode of A Moment In Crime references violence towards a child domestic violence - if you need help, or have concerns about someone else, please scroll down for a list of crisis and support agencies. READ MORE: Bodies-under-the-bridge murders: Kamal Reddy found guilty Bodies-under-the-bridge murders: Kamal Reddy jailed for at least 21 years Undercover police operation to catch double murderer Kamal Reddy revealed WHERE TO GET HELP? Child abuse: If you are worried about a child or have information about about any young person being abused, please contact the police. Information can be passed on to your local police - click here for a list of stations and contact details - or anonymously through the Crimestoppers reporting line on 0800 555 111. If you’re worried about a child you are urged to contact Oranga Tamariki immediately on 0508 326 459; or email contact@mvcot.govt.nz. If the child or young person is in immediate danger, call police on 111. Family violence: If you’re in danger now phone the police on 111 or ask neighbours or friends to ring for you. Where to go for help or more information: Shine, free national helpline 9am- 11pm every day - 0508 744 633 www.2shine.org.nzWomen’s Refuge: Free national crisis line operates 24/7 - 0800 refuge or 0800 733 843 www.womensrefuge.org.nz\Shakti: Providing specialist cultural services for African, Asian and middle eastern women and their children. Crisis line 24/7 0800 742 584It’s Not Ok: Information line 0800 456 450 www.areyouok.org.nzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Murder of a good Samaritan - the tragic death of Austin Hemmings
Oct 31 2022
Murder of a good Samaritan - the tragic death of Austin Hemmings
In September 2008 New Zealanders were shocked by the killing of a man who stepped in to help a woman in danger in central Auckland. Austin Hemmings, 44, was fatally stabbed when he intervened in a confrontation as he left work.  The good Samaritan was simply trying to help a woman who was in clear distress and who had called out for help after a man confronted her and threatened her.  Pauesi Leofa Brown stabbed Hemmings in the chest and the father-of-three died soon after. Brown was later sentenced to life in prison for Hemmings' murder.  Today in Herald podcast A Moment In Crime host and journalist Anna Leask looks back at the case and how it impacted both Hemmings' family and the woman he saved - paying the ultimate price with his own life.  A Moment In Crime is written and hosted by senior journalist Anna Leask - who has been covering crime and justice for NZME since 2005. Leask has also reported on most of the major incidents and events in New Zealand during that period including the Christchurch quakes, Pike River mine disaster, March 15 terror attack and the White Island eruption. "Each month I'll take you inside some of our most infamous incidents, notorious offenders and behind the scenes of high-profile trials and events to show you what's really happening in your backyard," she said. "Heroes and villains battle for justice to be done, and it seems no matter how horrifying the story, we always want to know more." A Moment In Crime is produced by Leask, iHeart radio podcast producer Adam Pomana, and NZ Herald podcast production manager Ethan Sills. Episodes of a Moment In Crime are usually released monthly. If there is a case you would like to hear about on A Moment In Crime, email anna.leask@nzme.co.nz READ MORE ON THE AUSTIN HEMMINGS CASE Hemmings family 'torn to shreds' Hemmings' murderer jailed for at least 16 years Hemmings' murderer had killed before  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Callous and cruel: the murder of Val Heaney
Oct 6 2022
Callous and cruel: the murder of Val Heaney
Christchurch caregiver Valerie May Heaney, 64, was found dead in the hallway of her Bromley home on April 4 2022.  Initially, police said her death was unexplained but after a post-mortem examination, it became clear something violent and horrific had happened to Val.  Elliot Ajay Prakash, 43, was later charged with her murder.He was a boarder at Heaney's home and the pair were sometimes lovers. In this episode of A Moment In Crime I'll tell you why - and how - Prakash killed Val, and what he told police. This episode is about domestic violence and may be upsetting for some people.    READ MORE ON THIS CASE: Val Heaney murder: Man who battered landlord with hockey stick jailed for life, previous violence revealed     Family violence - do you need help? If you're in danger now: • Phone the police on 111 or ask neighbours of friends to ring for you.• Run outside and head for where there are other people.• Scream for help so that your neighbours can hear you.• Take the children with you.• Don't stop to get anything else.• If you are being abused, remember it's not your fault. Violence is never okay Where to go for help or more information: • Shine, free national helpline - 0508 744 633 www.2shine.org.nz• Women's Refuge: Free national crisis line operates 24/7 - 0800 refuge or 0800 733 843 www.womensrefuge.org.nz• Shakti: Providing specialist cultural services for African, Asian and middle eastern women and their children. Crisis line 24/7 0800 742 584• It's Not Ok: Information line 0800 456 450 www.areyouok.org.nz    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The great escape: the life and crimes of brazen killer Phillip John Smith
Sep 28 2022
The great escape: the life and crimes of brazen killer Phillip John Smith
When Phillip John Smith left a Waikato prison on approved temporary leave in 2014 no one suspected that within days he would be leading authorities on an international man hunt. Smith, also known as Phillip John Traynor, was meant to spend his time outside the wire at an address in Auckland with a sponsor. The leave was part of a plan to reintegrate the convicted killer and sex offender back into the community. But instead of going to the address in Auckland he made his way to the airport and boarded a plane to South America. Smith's plan was to never return to New Zealand.  However a chance sighting lead authorities right to him at a backpackers in Brazil. Smith  was jailed for life for murdering the father of a young boy he'd been convicted of sexually abusing. So how did he get a passport? How did he get past border authorities? And how was he captured in the heart of one of the busiest cities in the world? Herald podcast A Moment In Crime goes back to Smith's escape and explains just how police tracked him down and hauled him back to New Zealand.  READ MORE HERE: Phillip Smith's long history of terrifying and abusive behaviour Great Escape: How a murderer almost got away   SEXUAL HARM - DO YOU NEED HELP? If it's an emergency and you feel that you or someone else is at risk, call 111.​ If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone contact the Safe to Talk confidential crisis helpline on:  Text 4334 and they will respond  Email support@safetotalk.nz Visit https://safetotalk.nz/contact-us/ for an online chat  Alternatively contact your local police station - click here for a list. If you have been abused, remember it's not your fault.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fight for freedom: The murder of Arthur Easton and Alan Hall's wrongful conviction
Jul 4 2022
Fight for freedom: The murder of Arthur Easton and Alan Hall's wrongful conviction
In October 1985 Arthur Easton was murdered in his Papakura family home. Easton and his two teenage sons were attacked by a bayonet-wielding home invader. The 52-year-old postal worker was stabbed in his liver during the frenzied attack and died of blood loss after emergency services arrived on the scene. Alan Hall was convicted of murder in 1986 and spent 19 years in prison for the crime. However Hall was not the person who killed Easton. He maintained his innocence for almost four decades and in 2022 the Supreme Court finally quashed his conviction for murder. The Crown accepted earlier this year in a submission to the Court that key evidence leading to the identity of the true attacker was "materially" altered, leading to a miscarriage of justice. Today Herald senior journalist Anna Leask revisits the murder of Arthur Easton and the journey to justice for Alan Hall.  This episode of A Moment In Crime is a bonus episode. While our usual monthly episodes look at cases that have gripped New Zealand's interest over the years, there are plenty of cases before the courts that I'm covering right now that warrant a deeper look. From complex murder trials to the cases destined for infamy, these bonus episodes will show you what's really happening in your backyard - right now. For more on the case visit: Alan Hall: Murder conviction set to be quashed after decades, Crown acknowledges miscarriage of justice Alan Hall's murder conviction officially quashed, compensation claim on the cards Solicitor-General admits Alan Hall case 'significant miscarriage of justice', opens investigation into Crown conductSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Evil stepfather: Bruce Howse and the murders of Saliel Aplin and Olympia Jetson
Jun 23 2022
Evil stepfather: Bruce Howse and the murders of Saliel Aplin and Olympia Jetson
This episode contains strong language. In 2001 Bruce Thomas Howse murdered his stepdaughters Olympia Jetson and Saliel Aplin as they lay in their beds at their Masterton home. The girls - aged just 11 and 12 - had suffered years of physical and sexual abuse at the hands of Howse and despite their cries for help, it never came. Today A Moment In Crime is about the tragic deaths of the young sisters and the impact on their family, particularly their older sister Alicia.  This episode of A Moment In Crime deals with child abuse, sexual assault and murder and may not be suitable for some listeners. If you need help or you are worried about someone else - see below for a list of help and support agencies. For more on this case: Sister of murdered Masterton siblings speaks out about abuse, violence and murder Killer's ex tells of fight to keep children safe Reports into girls' deaths find fault with CYF Are you worried about the safety of a child? If you have concerns about the immediate safety of a child, call 111. Alternative call the police non-emergency reporting line on 105. Or, contact Oranga Tamariki, Ministry for Children on 0508 326 459 for advice or click here to visit the agency's website for more information. Sexual harm - do you need help? If it's an emergency and you feel that you or someone else is at risk, call 111.​ If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone contact the Safe to Talk confidential crisis helpline: Text: 4334 Email: support@safetotalk.nz Visit https://safetotalk.nz/contact-us/ for an online chat Domestic violence and abuse - do you need help? If you're in danger now - phone the police on 111 or ask neighbours of friends to ring for you. Where to go for help or more information: Shine: Free national helpline available 24/7 -  0508 744 633 www.2shine.org.nz Women's Refuge: Free national crisis line operates 24/7 - 0800 refuge or 0800 733 843 www.womensrefuge.org.nz Shakti: Providing specialist cultural services for African, Asian and middle eastern women and their children. Crisis line 24/7 0800 742 584 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Callous and despicable acts: the depraved offending of Liam James Reid
May 17 2022
Callous and despicable acts: the depraved offending of Liam James Reid
In 2007 Christchurch woman Emma Louise Agnew was found dead - murdered by a man she met while trying to sell her car. The 20-year-old was reported missing on November 15 and her body was found 12 days later, hidden beneath vegetation and pine needles near a holiday park in the north of the city. Emma's death was shocking and tragic - but when details emerged of what happened to her and who was responsible, there was outrage.  Liam James Reid was arrested the day after Emma was found and charged with rape and murder. By the time he went on trial in 2008 he had also been charged with the rape, attempted murder and robbery of a 21-year-old student in Dunedin nine days after Emma was killed.  In this episode of A Moment In Crime host Anna Leask delves into Reid's horrendous offending and the impact it has had over the years. For more on Reid's life of crime click the link below or visit nzherald.co.nz The Big Read: Rapist, murderer Liam Reid hopeful of new appeal SEXUAL HARM - DO YOU NEED HELP? If it's an emergency and you feel that you or someone else is at risk, call 111.​ If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone contact the Safe to Talk confidential crisis helpline on: Text 4334 and they will respond Email support@safetotalk.nzVisit https://safetotalk.nz/contact-us/ for an online chat Alternatively, contact your local police station. If you have been abused, remember it's not your fault.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Miscarriage of justice: the murder of Susan Burdett
Apr 22 2022
Miscarriage of justice: the murder of Susan Burdett
In 1992 Susan Burdett was found dead in her South Auckland home. The 39-year-old had been sexually assaulted and beaten to death with a baseball bat she kept by her bed for protection.  Susan's story was awful and tragic but would become much more so when the wrong man was convicted of her murder and jailed for more than 20 years. In this month's episode of Herald podcast A Moment In Crime senior journalist Anna Leask looks into the death of Susan Burdett and the botched police investigation that led to Teina Pora being arrested and charged a year later.  Pora, a 17-year-old petty criminal, confessed to the murder after hearing about a significant reward offered by police for information that would lead to the killer being identified.  But there was no other evidence linking Pora to the scene and his confession was jumbled, vague and changed by the minute.  Two juries went on to convict Pora before an ex-detective got involved and fought for him to be freed.  It was not until after the Privy Council quashed Pora's convictions that the real killer - serial rapist Malcolm Rewa  - was held to account. FOR MORE ON THE CASE VISIT NZHERALD.CO.NZ OR CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW TO ACCESS CONTENT: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/how-the-justice-system-failed-teina-pora/W4VPIZR6JDHMU4VHY7PLEBZCEI/Judge: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/judge-teina-pora-innocent-entire-crown-case-rejected/B7LVXQK7FNRUVSKLP2L6AKKIGM/ https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/serial-rapist-malcolm-rewa-jailed-for-life-for-1992-murder-of-susan-burdett/TWJNAO25RH77V2M242XXYRS2MA/?c_id=1&objectid=12216145 https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/malcolm-rewa-survivors-heartbreaking-letter-i-thought-he-would-kill-me/PCCLD3DA4BFAAWCRTB4DJ7MTUA/?c_id=1&objectid=12206068 https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/serial-rapist-malcolm-rewa-guilty-of-murdering-susan-burdett-in-1992/UCRYHDRG3ROT6YWRECKSORC4IM/?c_id=1&objectid=12205665 https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/i-hope-to-get-justice-for-my-sister-susan-burdetts-brother-on-teina-pora-decision/HYXO4ZMD7XXL7XM7KPZBIQVONA/    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Murder in the stables: The cruel killing of Helen Meads
Mar 31 2022
Murder in the stables: The cruel killing of Helen Meads
In September 2003 Helen Meads was gunned down at her Matamata home by her husband Greg.  She was shot at close range, her body found soon after by police in the stables at the property she shared with her racehorse breeder husband Greg Meads.  Meads was charged with Helen's murder and it later emerged that their marriage had been rife with domestic violence and the last fatal assault came after she announced she was leaving.  Meads denied that he meant to kill Helen. While he admitted to shooting her, he claimed it was an accident - that he went to confront her about why she was leaving him, that he took the loaded gun, that it went off by mistake. But after a high-profile High Court trial Meads was found guilty of Helen's murder. He was jailed for life and ordered to serve a minimum of 11 years before he could apply for parole. In today's episode of Herald podcast A Moment In Crime, senior journalist Anna Leask revisits Helen Meads' life, death and legacy.  In this episode you will hear about the marriage marred by abuse, violence and control; Helen's last days and the harrowing ordeal her parents endured after she died.  READ MORE: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/it-was-a-deliberate-act-i-killed-helen-after-13-years-of-untruths-and-lies-matamata-horse-breeder-admits-murdering-wife/T2AJE2JUV5V76QHRODR2234MOA/ DOMESTIC VIOLENCE - DO YOU NEED HELP? If you're in danger now: • Phone the police on 111 or ask neighbours of friends to ring for you.• Run outside and head for where there are other people.• Scream for help so that your neighbours can hear you.• Take the children with you.• Don't stop to get anything else.• If you are being abused, remember it's not your fault. Violence is never okay Where to go for help or more information: • Shine, free national helpline 9am- 11pm every day - 0508 744 633 www.2shine.org.nz • Women's Refuge: Free national crisis line operates 24/7 - 0800 refuge or 0800 733 843 www.womensrefuge.org.nz • Shakti: Providing specialist cultural services for African, Asian and middle eastern women and their children. Crisis line 24/7 0800 742 584 • It's Not Ok: Information line 0800 456 450 www.areyouok.org.nzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.