The Greatest Menace returns with new leads

Audible Australia’s multi-award-winning true crime podcast, The Greatest Menace, which exposed Australia’s ‘gay prison’, will release a bonus episode this week containing new leads.

Coinciding with Sydney WorldPride, the episode features the untold story of an ex-prisoner seeking criminal expungement after hiding as a ‘fugitive’ for the majority of his adult life.  

The Greatest Menace: The Runaway, also includes supposed evidence of the entrapment techniques used by police to target gay men and the shocking experiments that occurred to purportedly ‘treat’ their homosexuality in the 50s and 60s within Cooma prison in NSW. 

Following the Audible Original’s release in February 2022, producers Patrick Abboud and Simon Cunich received messages from listeners that were moved by the series, one was a former inmate of Cooma prison, David*. 

Speaking about his experience for the first time, ex-prisoner David*, now in his 80s, reveals he never recovered from his sentence in the infamous prison and following time behind bars, chose to keep his homosexuality hidden. 

After years of living like a fugitive before settling in the US with an unjust criminal record weighing on his mind, creators Patrick and Simon embark on a mission to right this wrong. 

“We thought our work was over when we released the series a year ago to the day,” said host Patrick Abboud.

“Little did we know that since then we’d have such a huge response. It’s just too important a story to let go of. I have been truly blown away by the overwhelming response from around the world.”  

“We’ve been able to connect with, and hear so many people’s untold stories, and David’s story was simply one impossible to ignore. The former NSW Government weaponised shame, and David’s life for the past 60 years has been overshadowed by the unjust treatment at Cooma. This podcast was his catharsis, and we’re proud to have played a part in unburdening him from his past.” 

“Although significant progress has been made in the continued campaign for equality from within many pockets of our LGBTQIA+ communities, it is important the powers that be acknowledge the hidden history and horrendous past that the former New South Wales Government and police played in the unjust treatment of queer people. The New South Wales Government is yet to provide a formal acknowledgment or apology of the gross injustice that occurred at Cooma.”

“This is one of many reasons it’s crucial that Simon and I are continuing our work with The Greatest Menace series. Without a formal apology, some members of our community remain deeply pained by this and won’t truly move forward.”  

Head of Content, APAC – Karen Appathurai Wiggins, said, “It’s incredible to see how Patrick’s determination and dedication to revealing the truth has not only made this Audible Original a riveting listen, but encouraged many to speak out and share their stories.”

“Pat continues to call for accountability regarding this confronting slice of Australian history, and we’re proud to be able to offer this content for free to everyone.” 

All nine episodes of The Greatest Menace: Inside the Gay Prison Experiment are available to listen to for free at www.audible.com.au/therunaway