The Trial
Stuff Audio, New Zealand’s award-winning leader in true crime podcasts, presents The Trial. Stuff’s expert journalists spend weeks at High Court hearings and pore over hundreds of hours of recordings to deliver compelling and in-depth insights into some of New Zealand’s most intriguing cases - as they happen.NEW: Season 2 - Police are called to the multi-million dollar Auckland home of a successful couple to find the body of Pauline Hanna. A year and a half later, her husband, eye surgeon Philip John Polkinghorne is charged with murder, a charge he denies. Presented by Philippa Tolley.Season 1 - In 2...
Bonus · Sat, January 11, 2025
Introducing: The Artful Dodger
James Wallace was once the most revered philanthropist in the New Zealand arts community. His world started crumbling when a young man accused him of sexual assault. After a six-year legal battle - and more victims came forward - Wallace was convicted of multiple crimes and out of ways to keep his identity secret. This is the story of a disgraced knight’s rise and fall, his crimes and punishment - and his survivors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bonus · Fri, November 01, 2024
Sentenced on drug charges
In the final chapter of the trial of Philip Polkinghorne, the former Auckland eye surgeon found not guilty of murdering his wife, he has been sentenced to 150 hours of community work for drug possession. The charges of possessing methamphetamine and a pipe to smoke it followed searches of the family home after the death of Pauline Hanna. WARNING: This episode references drug use. Podcasts like this take lots of time and resources to produce, which is why we'd love you to support our work by becoming a subscriber! You can subscribe to Stuff Extra directly in Apple Podcasts , or Click Here to listen on other platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E13 · Fri, September 27, 2024
The Verdict
After nearly two months and more than 80 witnesses, the jury returns with their finding in the murder trial of Philip Polkinghorne. WARNING: This podcast references suicide right from the start and throughout the episode. Some listeners might find this distressing. Click here for where to get help in New Zealand. Podcasts like this take lots of time and resources to produce, which is why we'd love you to support our work by becoming a subscriber! You can subscribe to Stuff Extra directly in Apple Podcasts , or Click Here to listen on other platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E12 · Wed, September 25, 2024
The closing arguments - murder or suicide?
The defence and the prosecution present their final arguments after nearly two months of evidence. The Judge delivers a summing up and gives the jury directions before they retire to consider a verdict. WARNING: This podcast references suicide right from the start and throughout the episode. Some listeners might find this distressing. Click here for where to get help in New Zealand. Podcasts like this take lots of time and resources to produce, which is why we'd love you to support our work by becoming a subscriber! You can subscribe to Stuff Extra directly in Apple Podcasts , or Click Here to listen on other platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E11 · Mon, September 23, 2024
‘I'm never good enough’
For the first time, the court hears emails, found by the defence, that Pauline Hanna wrote to herself. Psychiatrists talk about the possible impact of the mix of medication she was taking. IT experts are at odds over whether texts were started - and deleted - on Hanna’s phone at 4am on the day her death was reported. WARNING: This podcast references suicide right from the start and throughout the episode. Some listeners might find this distressing. Click here for where to get help in New Zealand. Podcasts like this take lots of time and resources to produce, which is why we'd love you to support our work by becoming a subscriber! You can subscribe to Stuff Extra directly in Apple Podcasts , or Click Here to listen on other platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bonus · Mon, September 23, 2024
The Jury Returns
The jury returns with a verdict in the Polkinghorne trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E10 · Fri, September 20, 2024
Injuries and interpretations
Expert defence pathologists offer different conclusions about the cause of death to their Crown counterparts. Colleagues at Auckland Eye describe Polkinghorne as kind and generous. And we hear from the “fishing boys”, who knew “Polky” from trips to their holiday homes in The Coromandel. WARNING: This podcast references suicide right from the start and throughout the episode. Some listeners might find this distressing. Click here for where to get help in New Zealand. Podcasts like this take lots of time and resources to produce, which is why we'd love you to support our work by becoming a subscriber! You can subscribe to Stuff Extra directly in Apple Podcasts , or Click Here to listen on other platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E9 · Mon, September 16, 2024
‘There was no murder’
As the defence case begins, Polkinghorne’s lawyer describes the police as being “intoxicated” with the idea of murder, and cautions the jury against being distracted by evidence about sex and drugs. Pauline Hanna’s sister says Hanna told her of a suicide attempt more than 30 years ago and Polkinghorne’s ex-wife takes the stand. WARNING: This podcast references suicide right from the start and throughout the episode. Some listeners might find this distressing. Click here for where to get help in New Zealand. Podcasts like this take lots of time and resources to produce, which is why we'd love you to support our work by becoming a subscriber! You can subscribe to Stuff Extra directly in Apple Podcasts , or Click Here to listen on other platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E8 · Wed, September 11, 2024
‘I haven't come this far to walk away’
Details of Philip Polkinghorne’s relationships with wife Pauline Hanna and Sydney-based sex worker Madison Ashton emerge when police scrutinise their digital devices. Among their discoveries, thousands of sexual images, and personal correspondence about the state of the marriage. A forensic accountant tells the court that Polkinghorne paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to half a dozen women, including Ashton. WARNING: This podcast references suicide right from the start and throughout the episode. Some listeners might find this distressing. Click here for where to get help in New Zealand. Podcasts like this take lots of time and resources to produce, which is why we'd love you to support our work by becoming a subscriber! You can subscribe to Stuff Extra directly in Apple Podcasts , or Click Here to listen on other platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E7 · Mon, September 09, 2024
‘Some things are going to come out’
As the Crown case nears its end, a close friend and colleague alleges Polkinghorne made sex and meth admissions that “shocked” her. There are questions about tensions in the operating theatre, financial stress and positive meth tests at Auckland Eye. An expert explains the ways meth can change behaviour. WARNING: This podcast references suicide right from the start and throughout the episode. Some listeners might find this distressing. Click here for where to get help in New Zealand. Podcasts like this take lots of time and resources to produce, which is why we'd love you to support our work by becoming a subscriber! You can subscribe to Stuff Extra directly in Apple Podcasts , or Click Here to listen on other platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E6 · Fri, August 30, 2024
The disappearing mark
Two pathologists face detailed questions about the significance of a mark on Pauline Hanna’s neck, with one asked why they didn’t mention it in their autopsy report. The court hears more about Hanna’s medical history, including her use of unprescribed sleeping tablets and the prescriptions she was given by her GP. WARNING: This podcast references suicide right from the start and throughout the episode. Some listeners might find this distressing. Click here for where to get help in New Zealand. Podcasts like this take lots of time and resources to produce, which is why we'd love you to support our work by becoming a subscriber! You can subscribe to Stuff Extra directly in Apple Podcasts , or Click Here to listen on other platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E5 · Tue, August 27, 2024
‘He wants to have sex with everybody’
In a recording played to the jury, Pauline Hanna talks about the state of her marriage to eye surgeon Philip Polkinghorne and their sex life. Close friends recall her sharing an alleged strangulation threat by her husband. The defence challenges them and family members, asking if their recollections are clouded by the belief that Hanna wouldn’t have taken her own life. WARNING: This podcast references suicide right from the start and throughout the episode. Some listeners might find this distressing. Click here for where to get help in New Zealand. Podcasts like this take lots of time and resources to produce, which is why we'd love you to support our work by becoming a subscriber! You can subscribe to Stuff Extra directly in Apple Podcasts , or Click Here to listen on other platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E4 · Wed, August 21, 2024
‘She’s never hit me, I’ve never hit her’
The jury hears Polkinghorne for the first time as the prosecution plays his police interview from the day his wife died. While answering questions about his marriage to Pauline Hanna and her state of mind, he receives a call informing him he’s a suspect. The Crown case continues with a friend of the couple describing his suspicions about Polkinghorne’s behaviour and a detective recalling a visit to a luxury getaway where Polkinghorne was staying with sex worker Madison Ashton. WARNING: This podcast references suicide right from the start and throughout the episode. Some listeners might find this distressing. Click here for where to get help in New Zealand. Podcasts like this take lots of time and resources to produce, which is why we'd love you to support our work by becoming a subscriber! You can subscribe to Stuff Extra directly in Apple Podcasts , or Click Here to listen on other platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E3 · Fri, August 16, 2024
An unprecedented search
With Philip Polkinghorne being interviewed at the police station, detectives decide to step up their search of his house. Amid tests for fingerprints, DNA and blood - a hunt dubbed unprecedented by the detective sergeant in charge of the scene - officers make a series of discoveries that shape the investigation. But in court they’re asked if police and forensic scientists might have made up their minds too soon. WARNING: This podcast references suicide right from the start and throughout the episode. Some listeners might find this distressing. Click here for where to get help in New Zealand. Podcasts like this take lots of time and resources to produce, which is why we'd love you to support our work by becoming a subscriber! You can subscribe to Stuff Extra directly in Apple Podcasts , or Click Here to listen on other platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E2 · Sat, August 10, 2024
Code 1C for suspicious
As detectives comb the home of Philip Polkinghorne and Pauline Hanna, questions quickly emerge about the rope involved in her death. The jury hears Polkinghorne’s summary of his wife’s final day alive. WARNING: This podcast references suicide right from the start and throughout the episode. Some listeners might find this distressing. Click here for where to get help in New Zealand. Podcasts like this take lots of time and resources to produce, which is why we'd love you to support our work by becoming a subscriber! You can subscribe to Stuff Extra directly in Apple Podcasts , or Click Here to listen on other platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E1 · Thu, August 01, 2024
'My wife's dead'
On Easter Monday 2021, police were called to the home of a successful professional couple in the affluent Auckland suburb of Remuera. They found the body of Pauline Hanna. In his emergency call, her husband, Philip Polkinghorne, said she killed herself. Sixteen months later he was charged with her murder. As this podcast is released, he's currently on trial at the High Court in Auckland. Stuff's groundbreaking series returns to take you inside the Polkinghorne trial: Hear the witnesses, follow the evidence, wait for the verdict. WARNING: This podcast references suicide right from the start and throughout the episode. Some listeners might find this distressing. Click here for where to get help in New Zealand. Podcasts like this take lots of time and resources to produce, which is why we'd love you to support our work by becoming a subscriber! You can subscribe to Stuff Extra directly in Apple Podcasts , or Click Here to listen on other platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Trailer · Fri, July 26, 2024
Polkinghorne trailer
Police are called to the multi-million dollar home of a successful couple to find the body of Pauline Hanna, also known as Pauline Polkinghorne. A year and a half later, eye surgeon Philip John Polkinghorne is charged with murdering his wife, a charge he denies. The Trial, season 2, available soon wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to Stuff Extra on Apple or Spotify to be the first to hear new episodes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bonus · Tue, May 21, 2024
Introducing: The Lost Boy - The disappearance of Mike Zhao-Beckenridge
One ordinary day almost a decade ago, John Beckenridge abducted his stepson, Mike, from school and vanished. From New Zealand’s leader in true crime podcasts, this is the story of a calculating man with a dark past, the 11-year-old boy he controlled and the distraught mother left behind. Click here to get the next episode of The Lost Boy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bonus · Mon, March 25, 2024
Benbow's new legal battle
There’s another twist in this trial. Stay subscribed to hear the latest developments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bonus · Wed, March 06, 2024
'I despise you' - the victims speak
Almost seven years after murdering his mate Michael McGrath, David Benbow is sentenced for his crime. But not before facing McGrath's loved ones in court, including the third person in the love triangle that prompted Benbow to kill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bonus · Wed, November 29, 2023
An Exciting Update
The verdict is in - The Trial is an international hit. We've just received some end-of-year accolades from Apple Podcasts, being named as the #1 True Crime podcast in Australia and New Zealand and the #2 new show overall. We just wanted to say a huge thanks for listening and helping us achieve this recognition. You can read more about it here . The Trial is brought to you from the newsroom of The Press in Christchurch. You can hear more podcasts from The Press and the wider Stuff team here. Stay tuned for season two! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 E8 · Fri, October 13, 2023
Resolution
After months of evidence from dozens of witnesses across two trials, the jury returns - with a verdict. Michael McGrath's family reacts and Martin Van Beynen offers expert analysis - including what David Benbow might do next. WARNING: This episode contains discussion of mental health and suicide. If you or anyone you know needs help, free call or text 1737 for assistance from a trained counsellor, 24 hours a day. Podcasts like this take lots of time and resources to produce, which is why we'd love you to support our work by becoming a subscriber! You can subscribe to Stuff Extra directly in Apple Podcasts , or Click Here to listen on other platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 E7 · Wed, October 11, 2023
The retrial of David Benbow
With the jury in the original trial unable to reach a verdict, David Charles Benbow finds himself back in the dock. And three key areas of evidence are updated as the prosecution tries once more to secure a conviction. Podcasts like this take lots of time and resources to produce, which is why we'd love you to support our work by becoming a subscriber! You can subscribe to Stuff Extra directly in Apple Podcasts , or Click Here to listen on other platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bonus · Thu, August 24, 2023
From Newsable: The Mama Hooch sentencing
From Newsable: Stuff's daily news podcast all about what everyone’s talking about! Two brothers who drugged or committed sexual offences against 23 young patrons at Christchurch bar Mama Hooch have been sentenced in the District Court. Danny Jaz has been sentenced to 16 and a half years in prison and Roberto Jaz to 17. Both will serve at least half of that time before being eligible for parole. Newsable hosts Emile and Imogen talk to Blair Ensor from the Press newsroom, who covered the brothers' trial, about the hearing, and the reaction in the courtroom. Warning: Discusses issues related to suicide and sexual offences. For free help, text or call 1737, 24 hours a day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bonus · Fri, August 18, 2023
Newsable: The implications of the Lauren Dickason trial
Introducing Newsable: Stuff's daily news podcast all about what everyone’s talking about! The Lauren Dickason trial highlighted some issues we don’t discuss much in New Zealand - the mental health of mothers, for example. Today, Kristina Grace, founder of the Mothers Helpers support group, urges people to be kinder to mums who might need help. And law expert Professor Chris Gallavin tackles the legal fallout - including whether current justice rules are fit for purpose. For more information about Mothers Helpers, click here . WARNING: This podcast covers issues that may be distressing for some, including mental health. For free help, text or call 1737, 24 hours. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 E6 · Tue, June 27, 2023
Not quite the end
After listening intently to more than 100 witnesses over two months, the jury left the courtroom to begin its deliberations. Those left behind waited. And waited. But even when the wait was over, the Benbow trial still held a twist or two. Podcasts like this take lots of time and resources to produce, which is why we'd love you to support our work by becoming a subscriber! You can subscribe to Stuff Extra directly in Apple Podcasts , or Click Here to listen on other platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 E5 · Thu, June 22, 2023
'Did you do it?'
As the investigation intensified, David Benbow's behaviour prompted questions from close friends, and police exploited his interest in the media coverage with a cunning press release. With the jury asked to consider the importance of Benbow's missing rifle - the alleged murder weapon - the defence dismisses the Crown case as hollow, "like a cheap Easter egg". Podcasts like this take lots of time and resources to produce, which is why we'd love you to support our work by becoming a subscriber! You can subscribe to Stuff Extra directly in Apple Podcasts , or Click Here to listen on other platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 E4 · Wed, June 21, 2023
The burden of proof
After playing parts of David Benbow's police interviews to the court, the prosecution makes much of his inability to fully account for his movements on the day - and day after - he allegedly murdered Michael McGrath. But the defence underlines one key fact: there is no physical evidence Benbow did anything wrong. Podcasts like this take lots of time and resources to produce, which is why we'd love you to support our work by becoming a subscriber! You can subscribe to Stuff Extra directly in Apple Podcasts , or Click Here to listen on other platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bonus · Tue, June 20, 2023
An important legal development
The Trial host Michael Wright provides an important update on the defence application - supported by the Crown - to have this podcast removed from the internet and to prevent the publication of further episodes.
Bonus · Thu, April 27, 2023
Another update
Another update on The Trial.
Bonus · Thu, April 06, 2023
A brief update
A brief update on The Trial.
S1 E3 · Fri, March 31, 2023
Monday, 9am
Did Michael McGrath keep an appointment to shift some wood at David Benbow’s place? The prosecution says that’s where - and when - he was murdered. But the defence has doubts about Crown evidence involving the finer points of power consumption and CCTV footage. Podcasts like this take lots of time and resources to produce, which is why we'd love you to support our work by becoming a subscriber! You can subscribe to Stuff Extra directly in Apple Podcasts , or Click Here to listen on other platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 E2 · Wed, March 29, 2023
The love triangle
One relationship faltered and another blossomed. Police argued that was a motive for murder. Podcasts like this take lots of time and resources to produce, which is why we'd love you to support our work by becoming a subscriber! You can subscribe to Stuff Extra directly in Apple Podcasts , or Click Here to listen on other platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 E1 · Wed, March 29, 2023
The disappearance of Michael McGrath
When Michael McGrath started looking less scruffy, his friends started talking. When he failed to show for his weekly dinner with his mum, his new partner, Joanna Green, called the police, kickstarting an investigation that took six years to reach court. Podcasts like this take lots of time and resources to produce, which is why we'd love you to support our work by becoming a subscriber! You can subscribe to Stuff Extra directly in Apple Podcasts , or Click Here to listen on other platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Trailer · Fri, March 24, 2023
Benbow trailer
In May 2017 49-year-old builder Michael McGrath disappeared - almost without trace. No crime scene was ever found. No weapon was ever found. No body was ever found. So how could his longtime friend be arrested and charged with murder? In February 2023, the trial of David Charles Benbow finally began. Benbow stood accused of murdering McGrath because he’d started a relationship with Benbow’s former partner, Joanna Green. The prosecution said that, while based entirely on circumstantial evidence, its case was so comprehensive there could be no doubt Benbow was guilty. The defence said detectives were biased, working hard to build a case against Benbow after he was identified as a prime suspect - by Green. Stuff, New Zealand’s award-winning leader in true crime podcasts (Black Hands, The Commune, Gone Fishing) presents The Trial. Journalists from the Christchurch Press newsroom spent weeks at the High Court and pored over hundreds of hours of recordings to create a compelling and in-depth insight into New Zealand’s criminal justice system. Hear the evidence. Follow the twists and turns. Wait - for the verdict. WARNING: This series contains some strong language and content that may upset some people. For full written coverage of the trial from The Press newsroom in Christchurch, visit stuff.co.nz . Need more great true crime podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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