Michel Vajour, known as the "King of Escape," offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of prison breaks. Born in 1951 in northern France, Michel's childhood was anything but ordinary. After being abandoned by his parents, he was raised by an aunt who loved him dearly until her untimely death. This left him in the care of his alcoholic parents, pushing him toward a life of rebellion and petty crime.

At just 18, Michel became a father and struggled to leave his criminal past behind. Despite working at a factory, he found himself drawn to the thrill of joyriding in stolen cars, which ultimately led to his arrest for grand theft auto.

Michel's first stint in prison lasted 30 months, during which he became known as a problem prisoner. He fell into the wrong crowd, and his criminal activities escalated. He later stated that his time in prison only deepened his criminal tendencies, as he learned from other inmates.

Michel's most notorious escapes involved elaborate planning and daring execution, often utilizing unexpected methods. One of his most famous escapes was a helicopter heist that became legendary in France.

Scottish phrase of the week: tattie boggie

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Support this podcast by buying us a coffee buymeacoffee/hookedontruecrimeAlso available on YouTube

The Daring Love Story of NadineVaujour: The French Woman Who Learned to Fly a Helicopter to Break Her Husbandout of Prison

A PARIS PRISONER FLEES BY COPTER -The New York Times

The Vaujour Escape

MY GREATEST ESCAPE – Le Bureau –Paris

Escape of Michel Vaujour from theHealth Prison - Video available for purchase, rights included - mediaclip

The Woman Who Got a Pilot’s Licenseto Help Her Husband Escape From Prison | by Andrei Tapalaga ✒️ | Medium

Police identify pilot in helicopterprison break - UPI Archives

Warning: Possibly the saddest story we have told. Listen with tissues!

This episode explores the tragic case of Bridget Cleary, often called the last woman burned alive in Ireland, highlighting the dangerous power of superstition, folklore, and societal beliefs in late 19th-century Ireland.

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Sources:

Bridget Cleary -the last woman burned alive in Ireland

TheCharred Remains of Bridget Cleary Were Found in A Bog and Opened Up a ChillingInvestigation Involving Fairies

FairyWife - The Burning of Bridget Cleary - Wildfire Films

Changelings,Fairies, and Witchcraft? The Full, Unsparing Account of Bridget Cleary’s Murderin March 1895 - The Brehon Academy

HERSTORYOF THE MONTH: Bridget Cleary

"DarkestIreland" and the burning of Bridget Cleary