The early years of the First World War saw a rather unusual character traversing Ireland in the form of 'palm reader' Professor Zodiac.

He was subsequently charged with committing a heinous crime in Waterford.

This formed part of the charge sheet of one of Britain and Ireland's most notorious serial abusers.

Professor Zodiac was turning over extensive sums in payments for services rendered.

He was also the owner of many, many aliases leading to no clear indication of his actual name on his death.

On his death, he had spent some 11 years of his life imprisoned.

Among his offences were those of keeping brothels, obtaining money under false pretenses, and theft.

His sexual conduct was detestable, including abusing young women who availed of his palm reading services.

Cian Manning comes to us this week with a dark tale, and a look at how differently the Irish and British legal systems dealt with Professor Zodiac.

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