The Last Word with Matt Cooper The Last Word Podcast Pick: Lines of Enquiry
Nov 10, 2025
John Sweetman, a retired Garda forensic examiner with 25 years of experience, shares gripping insights into Irish crime investigations. He discusses the Balbriggan case, detailing the shocking 999 call and the initial concerns about the victim's injuries. Sweetman also illuminates the critical role forensic examiners play at crime scenes, uncovering clues that may change the course of investigations. With his extensive background, he offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how evidence shapes the search for truth in compelling true crime stories.
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Matt Cooper Recommends The Series
- Matt Cooper introduces Lines of Inquiry as a GoLoud original hosted by ex-Garda forensic expert John Sweetman.
- He emphasizes Sweetman's decades of experience on murders and missing person investigations in Ireland.
Let Evidence Drive The Investigation
- Pay attention to procedural details and evidence because they change case directions drastically.
- Rely on forensic expertise to challenge initial accounts and guide investigations correctly.
Balbriggan Case That Raised Suspicion
- John Sweetman recounts the March 1, 2001 Balbriggan case where Mary Goff was found unresponsive after a reported fall.
- He highlights early signs—linear marks on the neck—that suggested the incident was not a simple stair fall.