In this episode of The David Watson Podcast, I sit down with former police detective turned criminal defence lawyer, Liam Fitzgerald (pen name), to explore how corruption really happens – not just at the top, but in everyday decisions, grey areas and human weaknesses.

Born and raised in Belfast during The Troubles, later serving as a police officer in Australia and now working as a criminal defence lawyer in Sydney, Liam brings three decades of frontline experience to his new crime novel about police corruption, culture and power.

We talk about: Growing up in Belfast during The Troubles and how violence, secrecy and “sides” shape your view of the world Moving to Sydney, joining the police, then switching sides to become a criminal defence lawyer

How “small” perks and favours blur into full-blown corruption over time

The hidden subcultures inside police forces and what really changes good officers into “bad apples”

Royal commissions, systemic corruption and why the public is always shocked, despite years of warning signs

The role of the press: what gets exposed, what gets buried and why some scandals never make front-page news

Grooming gangs, cover-ups and why certain crimes seem untouchable

Free will, social conditioning and why class, background and opportunity shape the choices we think we’re making

Friday night violence, “accidental crime” and how one split second can destroy multiple lives

Liam’s novel is a work of fiction, but it is built on real-world experience of policing, wiretaps, court briefs and decades inside the criminal justice system.

If you have ever wondered where the line really is between “perk of the job” and corruption, this conversation will give you plenty to think about.

Find out more about Liam and his book Publisher: Austin Macauley (UK) https://www.austinmacauley.com/book/b...