In this episode of Crime Time, Inc., we delve into the riveting events of the Edinburgh and Leith Outrages of 1881, a crime spree in Scotland that mirrors the lawlessness of the wild west. Drawing from a 2021 article by the Edinburgh Reporter and historical excerpts, we uncover the story of three Australian sailors, James Hardnett, Alfred Seymour, and Tom Harrison, who attempted a bank robbery that descended into a series of violent acts. Struggling with initial failure, their crimes escalated, leading to shootouts with civilians and severe injuries to police officers, including Sergeants Donald Reed and William Arnett. Despite being unarmed, officers bravely pursued and apprehended the criminals, earning public admiration and gratitude. This episode highlights the criminal's desperate actions, the psychological aspects behind their decisions, and the community's remarkable response. We explore the aftermath for the officers and criminals, offering insights into the evolving relationship between law enforcement and the public during that time. Tune in for an in-depth analysis of this historical crime spree that left a lasting impact on Edinburgh and Leith.
00:00 Introduction to the Edinburgh and Leith Outrages
00:16 Setting the Scene: Edinburgh and Leith in 1881
00:48 The Main Players: Hardnett, Seymour, and Harrison
01:15 A Series of Desperate Acts
03:08 The Violent Climax: Confrontation with Police
05:05 Aftermath and Public Reaction
06:18 The Fate of the Criminals
09:21 Legacy of Bravery and Resilience
13:25 Conclusion and Reflections
About Crime Time Inc.
Crime Time Inc. is hosted by Tom and Simon—two ex-cops with decades of frontline experience and zero tolerance for fluff. Tom, a by-the-book former Deputy Chief Constable from Edinburgh, and Simon, a rule-bending ex-undercover cop from Glasgow, bring sharp insight, dark humour, and plenty of East vs. West banter to every episode.
Whether they’re revisiting cases they worked on, grilling fellow former officers, or picking apart narrated true crime stories, Tom and Simon don’t just talk about crime—they’ve lived it. Real cases. Real cops. Real talk.
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