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The Story of John Palmer

The story of John 'Goldfinger' Palmer - a criminal who smelted the gold from the Brink's Mat bullion robbery and went on to mastermind the biggest time share fraud in history.

Livvy Haydock travels from the streets of post-war Birmingham to the sun-kissed beaches of Tenerife - following the rise and fall of one of Britain's richest, and most wanted, serious organised criminals.

It's a story of violence, mystery, murder and police corruption - of how an illiterate lad from a broken home went on to become as rich as the Queen - leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.

Palmer owned a Learjet, a yacht, helicopters, a collection of fast cars and a chateau in France. A wheeler dealer jeweller who started by selling paraffin from the back of a lorry and was catapulted to the top of the criminal world after the Brink's Mat heist in 1983 - the largest armed robbery in British history. He smelted millions of pounds worth of the gold, earning himself the moniker 'Goldfinger.' He then went on to mastermind a multi-million pound time share fraud on Tenerife, scamming thousands of innocent victims who lost their life savings.

In a series of exclusive interviews, Livvy hears from his associates and his victims - many of whom have never spoken before. And she meets the detectives who were tasked with bringing him to justice.

This podcast includes strong language and descriptions of violence.

Presenter: Livvy Haydock

Series producer: Mick Tucker

Producer: Patrick Kiteley

Technical production and sound design: Nicky Edwards

Additional technical production: Richard Hannaford

Journalism Assistant: Tim Fernley

Production Manager: Sarah Payton

Commissioning editors: Richard Maddock and Dylan Haskins

Editor and executive producer: Carl Johnston