When Life Doesn't Mean Life:  John Cant Smith’s Pattern of Violence - Part 2
When Life Doesn't Mean Life:  John Cant Smith’s Pattern of Violence - Part 2

When Life Doesn't Mean Life: John Cant Smith’s Pattern of Violence - Part 2

October 30, 2025 7:05am
17:42
0

Part two continues to look at the disturbing case of John Cant Smith, a convicted murderer and rapist who was released from prison despite mounting evidence he remained dangerous. After serving 19 years for a brutal 1983 murder, John Cant Smith was freed in 2002, only to reoffend within months. This episode explores his 1987 involvement in the notorious Peterhead Prison riot, his subsequent crimes including prowling around a mother and daughter's home, and his 2006 attempted abduction. Host Dawn questions why John Cant Smith was repeatedly released despite clear warning signs, examining failures in the criminal justice system that allowed a violent offender to threaten public safety. The episode also raises questions about rehabilitation, life sentences that don't mean life, and whether some criminals deserve second chances when their victims never received one.SOURCES:Please see our website for all source material and photos at https://scottishmurders.com/episodes/johncantsmithBritish Newspaper Archives Affiliate LinkSUPPORT US:Patreon - patreon.com/scottishmurdersKo-fi - ko-fi.com/scottishmurdersMerch - teepublic.com/user/scottishmurdersWebsite - scottishmurders.comTwitter - @scottishmurdersInstagram - @scottishmurderspodcastFacebook - facebook.com/scottishmurdursYouTube - @ScottishMurdersLinktree - linktr.ee/scottishmurdersCREDITS:Scottish Murders is a production of CluarantonnHosted by Dawn YoungResearched, Written and Edited by Dawn YoungProduction Company Name by Granny RobertsonMUSIC:ES_Battle of Aonach Mor - Deskant - epidemicsound

Episode Details

Duration:17:42
Published:October 30, 2025 7:05am
File Size:16.2 MB
Type:audio/mpeg

About This Episode

Part two continues to look at the disturbing case of John Cant Smith, a convicted murderer and rapist who was released from prison despite mounting evidence he remained dangerous. After serving 19 years for a brutal 1983 murder, John Cant Smith was freed in 2002, only to reoffend within months. This episode explores his 1987 involvement in the notorious Peterhead Prison riot, his subsequent crimes including prowling around a mother and daughter's home, and his 2006 attempted abduction. Host Dawn...

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