THE SCHEDULE

EXHIBIT A: Platinum & VIP Only Session

Can YOU spot a liar?

We'd all like to think we could spot a liar. The truth is, deception is far harder to spot than we imagine — but some of its richest clues are hiding in plain sight: the words themselves. In this session, Paul Maillardet, who trained under the late Peter Hyatt, reveals how language carries the fingerprints of deception. Using real cases, you'll learn to hear what people reveal without ever meaning to, and how criminals give away not only that they're being deceptive, but the very clues that can help to solve the case itself.

GUEST SPEAKER: Paul Maillardet

Don't Miss Out! - If you'd like to upgrade your experience to VIP - accessing exclusive content and the ability to eat breakfast and lunch with the CrimeCon UK cast, click here.

Reflection Room

Flying Solo Session

Don't worry - lots of our guests are coming individually so there will be loads of opportunities to meet people at the event. This session is your chance to meet and buddy up with like-minded individuals, alongside the rest of our extended activities - all of which will be a great way to meet new friends.

EXHIBIT A:
Welcome to CrimeCon London 2026

Kick off your CrimeCon weekend with Nancy Baughen, Event Director of CrimeCon UK, as she sets the tone for an unforgettable two days of learning, connection, and community. Nancy will guide you through what to expect, how to get the most out of the programme, and why CrimeCon’s mission matters.

GUEST SPEAKERS: Nancy Baughen

EXHIBIT A:
TRUE CRIME Channel Presents: UK Forensic Breakthroughs: Science Behind Justice

In this TRUE CRIME Presents session, forensic scientist Jo Millington, forensic anthropologist Professor Anna Williams, forensic osteoarchaeological consultant Caroline Sims, and director David Howard explore the scientific breakthroughs behind some of the UK's most challenging homicide investigations. Inspired by the new series UK Forensic Breakthroughs, they reveal how specialist disciplines, from ballistics and fire investigation to forensic anthropology, osteoarchaeology, ecology and trace evidence analysis, help uncover crucial evidence. Discover how experts recover and interpret vital clues, present complex findings in court, and support investigators, victims' families and juries in the pursuit of justice.

GUEST SPEAKER: Jo Millington, Professor Anna Williams, Caroline Sims & David Howard

11.45 - 12.15: CrimeCommunity Break

Treats served for VIPs & Platinum attendees in the VIP Lounge. Don't Miss Out! - If you'd like to upgrade your experience to VIP - accessing exclusive content and the ability to eat breakfast and lunch with the CrimeCon UK cast, click here.

Visit our Exhibitors & Partners, Meet your FAVOURITE Content Creators & treat yourself to some official CrimeCon merchandise!

Select your own CrimeCon journey from the following sessions...

EXHIBIT A: 12:15 - 13:15

True Crime Uncut presents: Hidden in Plain Sight: London’s Invisible Victims

London is one of the most watched cities in the world - covered by CCTV, mobile phones, transport cameras, dating apps and digital trails. But in a city of millions, some people can still become invisible.

Inspired by Woodcut documentaries including Murder at First Swipe, The London Underground Killer and Murder in the Red Light, this True Crime Uncut session asks why some victims fall through the cracks while others become headline names. From dating-app dangers and anonymous encounters to homelessness, addiction, sex work and social isolation, our panel will examine how vulnerability can be hidden in plain sight - and how society, police, and the media respond when a victim is judged, overlooked or forgotten.

Join investigators, journalists and frontline experts for a powerful discussion about visibility, vulnerability and the uncomfortable question behind so many cases: in a city full of cameras, why are some victims still unseen?

GUEST SPEAKERS: Hayley Rhodes (Chair), Dr. Honor Doro Townshend, Michaela Kempson and Clare Laxton

EXHIBIT B: 12:15 - 13:15

The Architecture of Betrayal - How Trust Is Built, Tested, and Exploited Before Harm Occurs

Most abuse does not begin with force. It begins with trust. We tell people to “trust their gut” when something feels wrong, but grooming is designed to make people feel right. Predators rarely begin by appearing dangerous; they begin by appearing helpful, generous, trustworthy, and safe.

In The Architecture of Betrayal, Anna Sonoda, LCSW, reveals the misunderstood process behind grooming: how predators intentionally build relationships, gain access, establish influence, and create conditions where warning signs are easier to explain away than recognize.

Drawing on her clinical experience with offenders, and expertise in grooming prevention, Sonoda explores why intuition alone is not enough protection against manipulation. She introduces audiences to the predictable patterns behind grooming, including how offenders use trust, familiarity, favoritism, secrecy, and incremental behavior shifts to move relationships toward exploitation. Through her G.A.S. Model (Grooming, Access, and Space), Sonoda examines the pathway predators follow to create opportunity. She challenges audiences to move beyond the question, “Who feels safe?” and begin asking the more important question: “What behaviors demonstrate safety?”

Because grooming rarely announces itself; it unfolds through patterns.

This keynote invites audiences to rethink what safety looks like, recognize the mechanics behind betrayal, and understand how everyday trust can be strategically exploited. Attendees will leave with a clearer framework for identifying manipulation, recognizing risk, and seeing the behaviors predators hope remain invisible. The Architecture of Betrayal is a powerful examination of the moment before the crime, the carefully constructed pathway where trust becomes the doorway to harm, and where awareness becomes prevention.

GUEST SPEAKER: Anna Sonoda

LIVE STUDIO - from the Always True Crime Podcast Network

12:15 - 13:15

Codename Badger: Hunting the Truth Behind a Decades-Long Deception

Join journalists Andy Clark and Eugene Henderson as they take you inside their investigation into one of the world’s longest-running romance scams. Hear about the making of the podcast series Codename Badger, as they reveal how they pieced together seven decades of evidence from around the world to uncover the truth about John Cottell. What began as a search for answers for one family, evolved into something far bigger. When the podcast was released, listeners came forward with their own encounters with the conman, uncovering new leads, unexpected connections, and fresh twists in a story that continues to unfold.

GUEST SPEAKERS: Eugene Henderson & Andy Clark - Moderated by Claire Chambers

EXHIBIT B

13:20 - 13:50

CRIMECON UK 2027: SNEAK PREVIEW

Join us for a glimpse into what we have in store for CrimeCon UK 2027. This is your opportunity to learn more about our exciting plans for next year and for you to ask your burning questions about how YOU can get involved! Don't miss it!

JOIN EVENT DIRECTOR OF CRIMECON UK, NANCY BAUGHEN, FOR THIS EXCLUSIVE LOOK AT CRIMECON UK 2027!

13:50 - 14:20 - Platinum Only Session - Live Studio

Q&A With Derrick Levasseur

Decorated police sergeant, award‑winning investigator, and host of Crime Weekly & Detective Perspective Podcasts, Derrick Levasseur brings a rare blend of frontline experience and advanced investigative training to this Platinum‑only Q&A. Drawing on his work in patrol, detectives, and undercover operations with agencies including the ATF, DEA, FBI, and US Secret Service, Derrick offers candid insight into complex casework and the realities of modern policing. Now a bestselling author, CEO of Break Investigative Group, he invites platinum ticketholders into a focused, behind‑the‑scenes conversation shaped by decades of real‑world expertise – answering your burning questions!

GUEST SPEAKER: Derrick Levasseur

Select your own CrimeCon journey from the following sessions...

EXHIBIT A: 14:30-15:30

Missed Opportunities: Critical Moments That Could Have Changed Everything

Two families, united by loss and driven by purpose, come together for a powerful and deeply human conversation. In this session, Lisa Squire and Jodie Edith reflect on the pivotal moments in their respective cases where crucial opportunities for intervention were missed moments that could have changed everything. Through their lived experience, they shine a light on the systemic gaps, communication failures, and overlooked warning signs that continue to put vulnerable people at risk. This is a forward looking discussion about learning, accountability, and the changes needed to prevent future harm.

GUEST SPEAKERS: Lisa Squire & Jodie Edith

EXHIBIT B: 14:30 -15:30

True Crime Uncut presents: The Stabbing Paradox: Has London Become Safer, or Just Better at Saving Lives?

London’s murder rate is falling, and fatal stabbings are down. But does that mean knife crime is being beaten - or are trauma doctors, detectives and communities simply getting better at stopping victims from dying? In this timely True Crime Uncut panel, experts go beneath the headline figures to explore what London’s falling homicide rate really tells us - and what it might hide. Experts will examine whether knife crime is genuinely reducing, how emergency medicine has changed survival rates, and why serious non-fatal stabbings, attempted murder and GBH may reveal a more complicated picture.

Featuring discussion around Woodcut documentaries including House Party Killer and (K)nox: The Rob Knox Story, the session will ask what has changed, what has not, and who is still most at risk. From CCTV and digital evidence to youth intervention, weapon bans, hospital trauma care and bereaved family campaigning, this panel looks at the uncomfortable question behind the statistics: are there fewer victims, or fewer funerals?

True Crime Uncut presents a powerful, evidence-led discussion on knife crime, survival, prevention and the hidden reality behind London’s falling murder rate.

LIVE STUDIO - from the Always True Crime Podcast Network

14:30-15:30

The Crime Desk Presents: From Lucy Letby to Preston Davey: Inside Britain's Biggest Trials

The Crime Desk team from the Daily Mail take you inside the biggest trials in the country, from Lucy Letby to Preston Davey. Caroline Cheetham, Alex Matthews and Jamie East reveal what it really takes to report from a courtroom when the whole country is watching. How does a story get commissioned? How does it travel from the dock to your device? And what is it like to sit feet from the accused and look them in the eye? Come and hear what happens behind the stories you can’t stop thinking about.

GUEST SPEAKERS: Alex Matthews, Caroline Cheetham, Jamie East & Jack Hardy

Select your own CrimeCon journey from the following sessions...

EXHIBIT A: 15:35-16:35

TRUE CRIME Channel Presents: The Almost Perfect Murder: Technology, Truth and Justice

In this TRUE CRIME Channel Presents session, veteran investigative journalist Tim Tate, criminal intelligence analyst Sam Robins and director David Howard examine whether the "perfect murder" really exists. Drawing on the TRUE CRIME Channel original series Britain’s Almost Perfect Murders, they explore how modern investigative techniques and emerging technologies help police uncover new leads, connect evidence and revisit complex homicide cases. Through real investigations, they reveal the overlooked details, critical errors and breakthrough moments that helped investigators uncover the truth, solve challenging cases and bring offenders to justice.

GUEST SPEAKER: Sam Robins, Tim Tate & David Howard

EXHIBIT B: 15:35-16:35

Always True Crime Presents: The Surgeon of St Helena

Luke Jones will take you behind the scenes of his investigative podcast, The Surgeon of St Helena. Following his acclaimed series The Pitcairn Trials, Luke’s latest investigation led him to the remote British island of St Helena in the South Atlantic. There he looked into an ongoing medical scandal that left vulnerable patients injured after a surgeon brought in to transform healthcare instead caused profound harm. In this session, Luke will share the story of his investigation on the island, the challenges of uncovering the truth, and the steps he took to hold those in positions of authority to account.

GUEST SPEAKERS: Luke Jones

LIVE STUDIO - from the Always True Crime Podcast Network

15:35-16:35

The Limits of Duty: Should Soldiers be Prosecuted for Actions During Conflict?

The Troubles Podcast Presents a Conversation with British Veteran Lee Lavis. A discussion on the moral and legal dilemmas surrounding the prosecution of soldiers for actions carried out during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Today there are still cases pending against soldiers for killings that they were involved in over 50 years ago. Is it ethical to still seek prosecution for soldiers who killed civilians when paramilitaries who killed were granted an amnesty? 

There are no clear answers, but there is plenty of space for debate and discussion. The conversation considers whether historic actions should still be judged in court, what the British Legacy Act means for justice and reconciliation, and how societies reckon with the legacy of conflict.

GUEST SPEAKERS: Oisin Feeney & Lee Lavis

16:35 - 17.00

16:35 – 17:00 - CrimeCommunity Break

Treats served for VIPs & Platinum attendees in the VIP Lounge. Don't Miss Out! - If you'd like to upgrade your experience to VIP - accessing exclusive content and the ability to eat breakfast and lunch with the CrimeCon UK cast, click here.

Visit our Exhibitors & Partners, Meet your FAVOURITE Content Creators & treat yourself to some official CrimeCon UK merchandise - as well as getting your books signed from the below authors. 

BOOK SIGNINGS: 16:35 - The Balcony

Select your own CrimeCon journey from the following sessions...

EXHIBIT A: 17:00-18:00

Gabby Petito: Beyond the Headlines

When Gabby Petito was reported missing, her family found themselves at the center of a global media storm while desperately searching for answers. In this powerful and personal discussion, Gabby's four parents share their experiences navigating a missing loved one case, coping with unimaginable loss under public scrutiny, and rebuilding their lives after tragedy. They will discuss the challenges of media attention, the realities families face during high-profile investigations, and how they transformed grief into action through advocacy, education, and the work of the Gabby Petito Foundation. This is a story of resilience, purpose, and creating change from heartbreak.

GUEST SPEAKERS: Nichole Schmidt, Jim Schmidt, Joe Petito & Tara Petito

EXHIBIT B: 17:00 -18:00

Inside: Women Behind Bars

In Conversation with Vanessa Frake, Former Head of Security and Operations at Wormwood Scrubs and who spent 16 years of her career working for a high-security women’s prison, Authors Jonathan Levi and Dr Emma French will, in this session, take you inside the hidden world of women’s prisons as depicted in their latest book, Inside: Women Behind Bars. Drawing on years of access, expert testimony and frontline accounts, the panel will explore the lives, motivations and rehabilitation prospects of some of the UK’s most high risk female inmates, including notorious figures like Rose West, Myra Hindley and Joanna Dennehy.



This session offers a rare, human centred look at life for some of the most infamous women behind bars. Almost two thirds of women entering custody have experienced domestic abuse and self-harm in the female estate is eight times higher than in men's prisons, but there are also stories of recovery and redemption. This session will also explore the trauma and mental health crisis in women's prisons.

GUEST SPEAKERS: Jonathan Levi, Dr. Emma French & Vanessa Frake

LIVE STUDIO - from the Always True Crime Podcast Network

17:00-18:00

Pretty Scary with Clair Buckley: The Most Haunting Cases Unpacked

Join Clair Buckley to explore the stories that fuel her podcast Pretty Scary with Clair Buckley. From unsolved crimes that have baffled investigators to the strange and unexplained mysteries that she can’t stop thinking about. Clair will discuss the cases that have stayed with her, the research behind the stories, and the moments that keep her asking questions long after the recording ends. Expect a fascinating, thought-provoking session filled with true crime, curiosity, and the mysteries that remind us why some stories are impossible to forget. 

GUEST SPEAKER: Clair Buckley & Flora McCorquodale

CRIMElive

INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE

One murder. Three suspects. Did the right person go to prison? It’s October 2024 in a sleepy English village. 82-year-old Margaret Ellison is found dead in her detached bungalow. A much-loved and well-known member of the local community, Margaret’s death sends shockwaves through the village. The cause? Blunt force trauma to the head. At first, it looks like a burglary gone horribly wrong. Several drawers have been left open. Jewellery is missing.

But there’s something that doesn’t quite add up as there are no obvious signs of a break-in.

Join Crime Analyst Sam Robins and Forensic Scientist Jo Millington in their interactive session Crime Live at CrimeCon UK. There are 4 sessions across the weekend, brought to you by Inside Justice, an award-winning charity that conducts case work investigations on behalf of people who claim they have been wrongfully convicted. Choose your session now and with the experts you will examine the crime scene, explore the evidence, hear the cases against the three suspects — and question what you think you know. The evidence is waiting. The decision is yours.

Other information for your thoughts:

The team will ask for a discretionary donation to Inside Justice of £5, £10 or £20. If you donate you will receive an Inside Justice notepad and pen and the chance to win a £100 goody bag too at the end of each day. Find out how you can support Inside Justice here: www.insidejustice.co.uk

CRIMECON AFTER HOURS:

The night doesn’t end when CrimeCon does.

When the sessions finish, join us at The Otherist, London EC2N 1AP for an evening of conversation with CrimeCon guest speakers, cast and crew joining you for the night.

PLATINUM & VIP — DRINKS RECEPTION

6:30–8:00 PM - Platinum and VIP guests get exclusive access to the private reception area, with drinks and nibbles flowing and the opportunity to mingle with CrimeCon guest speakers, cast and crew. Please wear your VIP/Platinum Lanyard to gain entry.

Dietary requirements? Please advise Emma Holloway - crimecon@theassemblyevents.com

AFTER HOURS | 6:30–11:00 PM

The bar at The Otherist is open to all CrimeCon guests from 6:30 PM, with drinks available to purchase throughout the evening.

Not Platinum or VIP? As a Guest Ticketholder, you can still join us but you must RSVP to be added to the guest list.

Spaces are strictly limited. RSVP is required for all guests without Platinum or VIP access. Entry is subject to guest-list availability.