Ep 8. Lenny McPherson - Mr. Big

Lenny McPherson, also known as "Mr. Big," was one of the most influential figures in the Australian underworld. He rose to power in the 1970s and led a criminal empire that included drug trafficking, illegal gambling, and contract killings. During his reign, McPherson was untouchable, but eventually, his empire came crashing down.

The episode delves into McPherson's early life and how he got involved in a life of crime. It explores his rise to power and how he was able to establish his criminal empire. The episode also looks at McPherson's relationship with notorious criminal figure Neddy Smith and how their partnership contributed to their criminal success.

The episode features interviews with several detectives who worked to bring down McPherson's empire, including former lead police investigator Clive Small. They discuss the lengths they had to go to gather evidence against McPherson and his associates.

One aspect of the episode particularly focuses on the notorious shooting of prostitute Shirley Brifman, which was ultimately pinned on McPherson. This case was a turning point for McPherson's criminal career, as it marked the beginning of his downfall. The episode explores the investigation into Brifman's murder and how it ultimately led to the downfall of McPherson's criminal empire.

The episode also explores the relationship between McPherson and corrupt police officer Roger Rogerson. Rogerson was one of McPherson's closest associates, and they worked together on a number of criminal enterprises. However, Rogerson's own criminal activities eventually caught up with him, leading to his arrest and conviction.

Throughout the episode, the audience gets a glimpse into the violent world of organized crime in Australia. It highlights the corruption that existed within the police force and the difficulties detectives faced while trying to bring down powerful criminal figures.

Overall, Australian Crime Stories season 1 episode 8 provides a fascinating insight into the life of "Mr. Big" Lenny McPherson and how he was able to maintain his criminal empire for so long. The episode is a testament to the resilience and persistence of law enforcement officials who worked to bring him and his associates to justice.