The BelTel

Philip O’Shea is a prolific online predator who lurked behind fake profiles, first coming across as charming friendly and flirty, then going in for the kill in an orgy of cruelty. He forced them to send compromising pictures of themselves to him, blackmailing them not for money but for his own perverted satisfactions.  Sharon O’Neill tells Ciarán Dunbar how he managed to ensnare his victims. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We all dream of winning the Lottery, but then we hear stories about how winning the millions sent some people’s lives into a tailspin. The self-described ‘king of the chavs’ Michael Carroll being a famous example. Some have described winning the Lottery as a living hell that they would not wish on their worst enemies - can that fate be avoided? And should you tell people, or could you try and keep your win a secret? Host: Ciarán Dunbar. Guests Aine Toner and Kathy Garrett.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On October the 15th, 2021, the PSNI launch a raid an apartment in Ballymena, as part of a wider operation against drug in the town. The man who lived there was 61-year-old Noel Johnson. Moments later, he was dead. Once an acquaintance of Liam Neeson, this Catholic from Loyalist Harryville had been known as the ‘cocaine king’ of Ballymena. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by John Laverty, who knew Noel Johnston well.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John DeLorean was an eccentric but brilliant engineer. He had remarkable success in the US automotive industry, but he dreamed of striking out by himself and building a futuristic sports car. Incredibly, he was enticed to build that car in Belfast in the middle of the Troubles. Hollywood brought the DeLorean to the big Screen and the car, despite its obvious flaws, gained an iconic status.Andrew Madden joins Ciarán Dunbar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most people believe that they could never be brainwashed into a cult or be totally enthralled by a cult leader, but it is believed that thousands of people find themselves in that situation every year.  Ian Haworth never imagined that he would fall for it, he never thought he would lose his mind and freedom to cult – but that is what happened.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gerard Mackin is the six-foot-tall gangland enforcer who is feared from the Falls to Limerick That is not surprising when you consider he was convicted of nailing another person to a floor – with a nail gun. He has been in the Continuity IRA and in INLA. He was given a one-million-euro contract by the Kinahan crime clan to take out their arch-rival Gerry Hutch.   Born in west Belfast, Gerard Mackin’s crime CV is formidable and his earned him the reputation as one of the most violent criminals in Ireland.   The Belfast Telegraph’s crime correspondent Allison Morris tells his story.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

December is drawing to a close, so it’s time for some seasonal escapism as we consider the humble festive art form that is... the Christmas movie. From heartwarming family classics, terrible turkeys to the downright weird and questionable, there truly is something for everyone on the big and small screen. But are the days of the family gathering around the TV and going through the schedule gone for good?Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guests: Dave Hanratty and Dee Molumby Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Winston Rea, known as Winkie Rea, died aged 72 at the beginning of December. He was the ex-leader of the loyalist terror group, the ‘Red Hand Commando’, and until his death was on trial in connection with two sectarian murders. He denied all 19 terror charges against him. Who was Winkie Rea, what was the Red Hand Commando, and had the ruthless paramilitary man really become a man of peace? Belfast Telegraph’s security correspondent Alison Morris joins Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Israel's ambassador to the UK has strongly reject the prospect of a future Palestinian state. Tzipi Hotovely told Sky News Israel will not accept a ‘two-state solution’ So – what is Israel’s end game and are they now risking alienating their key ally, the US, as they continue their campaign in Gaza, seeking to destroy Hamas. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Bel Trew, the Independent’s Chief International Correspondent.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is no longer at the prison colony where he was being head. The loss of contact likely signals a Kremlin effort to tighten his isolation while President Vladimir Putin runs for re-election, his spokeswoman has claimed. A constant thorn in Putin’s side, could Navalny still play a role in the future of Russia?  Host: Rory Tevlin, Guest: Jason Corcoran   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.