The Stuff Group have launched a new six-part podcast investigation The Artful Dodger into crimes by well-known arts philanthropist James Wallace and the long legal battle to bring him to justice.

Written, hosted and produced by journalists Kate Langdon and Philippa Tolley, the podcast also features Wallace’s only media interview since his convictions.

Although the first victim came forward in 2017, Wallace was not convicted until 2021 with his name suppression only lifted two years later. He was stripped of his knighthood in 2023.

Stuff Group Editor-in-Chief Keith Lynch said:

“This lengthy battle to name Wallace raised major questions about the justice system, its treatment of abuse victims and name suppression laws. It also forced the arts sector to examine whether it had turned a blind eye to Wallace’s offending, in return for millions of dollars worth of patronage.”

The Artful Dodger charts the philanthropist’s rise and fall, crimes and punishment, and the story of his survivors. Langdon and Tolley spent about a year investigating the case, which also saw two accomplices of Wallace convicted of attempting to
dissuade a victim from giving evidence.

Wallace was sentenced to two years and four months in prison, and was released on parole in December 2023 after serving part of his sentence.

All six episodes of The Artful Dodger are available on all podcast platforms now and on stuff.co.nz.