I’m Not Here to Hurt You
4.8/5
Critic Rating
John O’Hegarty was destined for great things. He studied philosophy in the prestigious University of Leuven in Belgium and had a masters in psycho-analytic studies from Trinity College, Dublin. On the day he politely robbed his first bank, he crossed over into a world where all his education became meaningless. It was his point of no return – but it wasn’t the moment that changed everything. That came two years previously on a winter’s afternoon in 2002 when an accident would alter the course of several people’s lives and ultimately lead John to become Ireland’s most prolific bank robber.
Critic Reviews
Score: 5
Fiona McCann • Irish Times • Aug 12, 2023
"...Kevin Doyle, tells a complicated story simply: largely through one man’s voice, and in a chronological fashion. It makes for a vexing sense that there’s more here that could have filled this canvas – even Doyle seems frustrated at times by the constraints on his ability to recount this remarkable tale. Doyle gets unparalleled access to the man at the centre of this story...This is an appealing yarn of the gentleman criminal ilk..."
Score: 5
Hollie Richardson • The Guardian • Aug 3, 2023
"...fascinating subject of this true-crime podcast. Through a series of interviews with O’Hegarty, journalist Kevin Doyle draws out a story of twists, confessions and a bearded disguise."
Score: 4.5
Miranda Sawyer • The Guardian • Jul 29, 2023
"The series is definitely worth your time; the story is fascinating. O’Hegarty explains his MO in great detail, including his disguises. There’s an upsetting and unexpected catalyst to the tale...Still, there are times when the storytelling feels like lip-smacking...Doyle really does try to be fair, and this is undoubtedly a cracking yarn."
