Leadership Shenanigans

Dark Beauty - Episode 7: Sarah

In this powerful episode, we uncover the shocking case of Gareth Jones, a 40-year-old NHS worker from Cheshire, who endured nine months of brutal psychological, physical, and financial abuse at the hands of his partner, Sarah Rigby. What began as intense "love bombing" on a dating app spiralled into a nightmare of coercive control, humiliation, and violence.
Gareth was forbidden from using the toilet or shower without permission, forced to swallow toothpaste for "bad breath," clawed until he bled in Harrods to buy a £400 handbag, and made to sleep on the floor in his underwear. Rigby isolated him from family, drained £40,000 from his accounts, and threatened false assault claims to silence him.
Despite losing over 60 pounds in two months and being driven to the brink of suicide, Gareth secretly signalled for help and escaped in March 2022. Rigby later pleaded guilty to coercive and controlling behaviour and received a 20-month suspended sentence.
We explore how Rigby’s actions align with the Dark Tetrad—Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy, and sadism—and examine the lasting trauma Gareth still carries, including therapy, a "grab bag" of essentials, and his mission to support male victims via the ManKind Initiative.
 
Link to Video on Domestic Violence having no gender - https://youtu.be/FwCZEiaGXEE?si=-OWPHksSfPU4eq53 
"The Problem with a Feminist Approach to DV in Australia" PDF Report - https://www.drfionagirkin.com/research 
 
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Reference List
ITV News Granada. (2024, May 31). 'I was forced to eat toothpaste': Man who was abused and controlled details nine months of torment. Retrieved from https://www.itv.com/news/granada/2024-05-29/man-opens-up-on-nine-months-of-abuse-after-partner-handed-suspended-sentence
Metro News. (2024, May 28). The woman 'dehumanised' her partner and wouldn't let him go to the toilet. Retrieved from https://metro.co.uk/2024/05/28/woman-dehumanised-partner-wouldnt-let-go-toilet-20922555/
ITV This Morning. (n.d.). Male domestic abuse survivor speaks out to raise awareness. Retrieved from https://www.itv.com/thismorning/articles/male-domestic-abuse-survivor-speaks-out-to-raise-awareness
BBC News. (2024, October 13). Male domestic abuse victim stopped from using bathroom and toilet. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8djrl18v81o
People. (2024, October 13). Man Abused by Girlfriend Lost Over 60 Lbs. in 2 Months as She Controlled His Diet, Wouldn't Let Him Use Toilet. Retrieved from https://people.com/man-lost-over-60-lbs-in-2-months-because-of-girlfriends-abuse-8727660
Northwich Guardian. (2024, October 14). Domestic abuse victim of Winsford's Sarah Rigby speaks out. Retrieved from https://www.northwichguardian.co.uk/news/24650468.domestic-abuse-victim-winsfords-sarah-rigby-speaks/
LBC. (2025, June 26). Man forced to spend £40k on abusive girlfriend had arms clawed in Harrods. Retrieved from https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/gareth-jones-sarah-jones-harrods-abusive-relationship/
Manchester Evening News. (2024, May 28). Male victim of controlling ex speaks out after abusive six-month relationship. Retrieved from https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/male-victim-controlling-ex-speaks-29252088
Yahoo News. (2024, May 28). ‘Bully’ nurse forced boyfriend to swallow toothpaste and mouthwash*. Retrieved from https://www.yahoo.com/news/bully-nurse-forced-boyfriend-swallow-184124351.html
Shadows of Control. (2024, September 21). Gareth Jones' Devastating Ordeal at the Hands of Sarah Rigby. Retrieved from https://shadowsofcontrol.com/stories/gareth-jones/

Dark Beauty - Episode 6: Anna

In this episode, we dive into the unbelievable story of Anna Sorokin, the fake heiress who conned New York’s elite by posing as ‘Anna Delvey.’ From lavish hotels to exclusive events, Anna spun a web of lies that fooled banks, friends, and high society circles. We unpack her rise, her scams, the fallout for her victims, and what her story reveals about greed, ambition, and deception.
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Dark Beauty - Episode 5: Sherri

In 2016, Sherri Papini vanished during a morning jog, sparking a nationwide search and fear of a brutal abduction. When she reappeared weeks later, her shocking story of being kidnapped by two women gripped the media. But years later, the truth came out: it was all a hoax. In this episode, we break down the case, the lies, the FBI investigation, and the lasting impact on her family and community.
Links:
Casefile: Sherri Papini Case Summary
The Perfect Wife - Hulu
ABC News
Sherri Papini, Accused of Faking Her Own Kidnapping, Finally Tells Her Side of the Story
 
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Dark Beauty - Episode 4: Istarlin

Istarlin Hassan, a mother of seven from Victoria, was accused of masterminding one of Australia’s most shocking welfare fraud schemes. Over several years, she allegedly exploited multiple government programs—including childcare subsidies, parenting payments, and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)—to pocket an estimated $800,000.
Investigators claim Hassan misused NDIS funds meant for her own child with a disability, set up a fraudulent provider business, and collaborated with others to siphon money from vulnerable participants. At least six people with disabilities were left without the full support they desperately needed.
In 2024, the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission banned Hassan from providing any services or support for two years, marking a major crackdown on fraud within the disability support system.
This case highlights the devastating impact of financial exploitation—not just on taxpayers, but on the most vulnerable members of society who rely on these services for survival.
 
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Dark Beauty - Episode 3: Belle

Belle Gibson’s story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of misinformation and influencer culture. Her case highlights the importance of verifying health claims, questioning authority, and holding fraudsters accountable. While she has largely disappeared from public view, her legacy serves as a stark reminder: always fact-check before placing trust in online personalities.
Contact: info@drfionagirkin.com 
 

Dark Beauty - Episode 2: Melissa

**This episode includes references to suicide, please seek assistance if you find this episode upsetting**
Melissa Caddick’s story is one of deception, greed, and fraud against family and friends. Melissa was raided by the Australian Federal Police and the following day she disappeared. Her foot turned up on a beach several months later. The rest of her remains have never been found. While her victims continue to seek justice, her case remains a cautionary tale for investors everywhere. 
References
The Federal Court of Australia has an online file containing documents related to ASIC's case against Melissa Caddick.
A report from ABC News details the settlement received by victims of Caddick's fraudulent scheme.
The NSW Coroners Court published its findings on the inquest into Caddick's disappearance and suspected death.
Contact:  info@drfionagirkin.com 

Dark Beauty - Episode 1: Elizabeth

Elizabeth Holmes' story is a powerful reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of ethical leadership. Her rise and fall offer critical lessons for entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone navigating the high-stakes world of innovation.
Thanks for tuning in. Stay with us for more stories that reveal the human psychology behind the headlines.
References
[1] Theranos Founder Elizabeth Holmes Found Guilty Of Investor Fraud
[2] Court denies ex-Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes' petition to have fraud conviction appeal reheard
[3] Theranos felon Elizabeth Holmes advising baby-daddy on new blood-testing startup from behind bars: report
[4] The Leadership of Elizabeth Holmes: Lessons From the Dark Side of ...
[5] The "Who" and "Why" of Elizabeth Holmes and Her Fraudulent Behavior
 
Contact Dr Fiona Girkin on drfionagirkin@gmail.com 
 

Dark Beauty - Trailer (Mini Series)

Leadership Shenanigans started as a podcast about leading, following and running away, focusing on leadership and coping with toxic behaviour at work and at home. Since completing her PhD, Dr Fiona Girkin from Tasmania, Australia, wants to focus this podcast on the bad side of human nature. You will get to hear about the dark side of everyday people and how psychopathy and other dark traits can cause significant side effects in life. Dr. Girkin is an expert in female psychopathics with the latest series focusing on women behaving badly. Enjoy - Dark Beauty : Women who use psychopathic behaviour.
Enjoy!
Contact us on : drfionagirkin@gmail.com