Innocence Fraud Promoter & Groomer Michael Naughton, Russ Spring & Psychopathic Killer Warren Slaney
Gary Thompson (32) and John Weston (29) were shot and killed on the 10th of October 1990 in the front garden of the house Gary Thompson lived in with his wife and children in Oadby, Leicestershire.
Gary Thompson
John Weston
Gary Thompson ran a successful hot dog and burger van fast food business and his friend John Weston worked alongside him.
Psychopath Warren Slaney and Terence Burke stole up to £60,000 of bank holidays takings from Gary Thompson’s Bentley motor vehicle after shooting dead Gary Thompson and John Weston.
Innocence fraud killer Warren Slaney’s co-defendant Terence Burke attempted to pretend that victim Gary Thompson “was in on the raid” as part of an insurance scam.
However it was established Gary Thompson was uninsured.
In 2000 killer Warren Slaney made allegations here that staff at Woodhill prison had “attacked” him “atleastsixtimes” and in 2011 Private Eye magazine published an article headed The Hot Dog Hitin which it stated;
Slaney’s case has now been taken up by the University of Bristol Innocence Project where law students investigate claims of injustice
Excerpt from a Private Eye magazine article headed The Hot Dog Hit dated 11th September 2011
Another article on psychopathic innocence fraud killer Warren Slaney stated;
The campaign has the support of Dr Michael Naughton of The Innocence Project based at Bristol University who showed that miscarriages of justice were costing the public purse as much as £200m a year in 2002.
Someone called Russ Spring was also involved in the innocence fraud public relations spin campaign and was referred to in 2005 here as a “campaign support worker for the Miscarriages of Justice Organisation”.
Russ Spring from Mojo said: “We feel that the scale of the inquiry that is needed into his conviction really is beyond the scope of the Criminal Case Review Commission and they need to appoint an independent outside investigators.
Referring to just after killer Barry George was released from custody in 2008 following his retrial, his uncle Mike Burke stated;
It was now open season on Barry and the press set about destroying any hope of him settling into any kind of normal life in his home city of London.
I watched dispassionately as his reputation, such as it was, nosedived over the last days of 2008 under a welter of tabloid fantasy.
They ran stories on what he ate, what bookshops he visited, his temporary accommodation.
They claimed incorrectly that he was stalking a nurse, that Sky’s Kay Burley was frightened sick by him, that he was interested in Cheryl Cole of X Factor, that he was involved with the partner of a convicted killer etc.
To make things even better a ‘spokesman’ for him allegedly confirmed some of those manufactured stories.
Pat Reynolds said to me one day: ‘with friends like those who needs enemies?’
Excerpts from Mike Burke’s book Mike’s Story: The Battle to Clear Barry George of the Murder of Jill Dando first published in June 2011
The “spokesman” Mike Burke referred to was Surjit Singh Clair.
Read more on Surjit Singh Clair here, here and here.
Referring to Surjit Singh Clair and some of the various news stories regarding her psychopathic killer brother, Michelle Diskin Bates stated;
It was arranged that Barry would travel from London to Birmingham, where he would be met by volunteers from MOJO.
They would take him to a secret location and keep him safe.
In two days, he and a volunteer, Russ, would meet me in Leeds.
When Russ returned to his family, Surj would take over, taking Barry along to a meeting he was having at another hotel.
We really hoped that all of these precautions would mean Barry would not appear in any more disgraceful headlines, but no.
They were being followed everywhere, even camping outside of Russ’ home looking for Barry, though they were not there.
Russ’ wife and family felt intimidated by the media’s presence.
The only way they could have known about Russ was if our phones were being monitored.
Of course, this was all before the Leveson Inquiry and the News of the World’s well-earned downfall. Story upon story was published.
There was one story that alleged Barry had terrified a nurse in the hospital carpark, and that he was in an agitated state demanding drugs at the hospital.
The truth was that he was with Russ and they had gone to A&E to replace Barry’s epilepsy meds, as he’d had to abandon his supply at the flat when the police came.
Another story alleged that he was now obsessed with Cheryl Cole as well as Kay Burley, and that he was dating a convict’s wife, the person Surj went to a business meeting with!
Statements by Michelle Diskin Bates from her book Stand Against Injustice published in October 2018
Surjit Singh Clair accompanied Pam Wight, who had been groomed, conned and exploited by serial killer Steve Wight, during her February 2008 Sky news interview with Kay Burley.
It was during this interview where Kay Burley asked Pam Wright;
Do you think if you’d had a better sex life, he wouldn’t have done this?
Kay Burley – February 2008
A December 2008 media article stated of killer Barry George;
He is also reportedly besotted with Pam Wright, the fiancée of Suffolk Strangler Steve Wright.
Joan Albert’s Killer. Photograph of Simon Hall taken whilst at large and wanted by Suffolk police for a sexually motivated murder
Stephanie Bon who was Simon Hall’s girlfriend at the time of his murder of Joan Albert, set up a couple of campaigning websites, including one called Inside Doubt. (http://insidedoubt.co.uk/features/justice_4_simon/).
The Inside Doubt website has been defunct for several years, but it was set up after Stephanie Bon, killer Simon Hall and his family (Lynne, Phil and Shaun) “fell out”.
When her Inside Doubt website was up and running, Stephanie Bon wrote and published a Start campaigning booklet which was available to download from her website.
West Midlands Against Injustice (WMAI) reproduced Stephanie Bon’s Start campaigning booklet, whichhas also been reproduced in full below for background purposes only!
West Midlands Against Injustice was set up and run by the mother of the killer of 19 year old Amy Leigh Barnes.
The WMAI website claimed to be;
A mutual support group for relatives and supporters of people convicted for a crime of which they are innocent, and whose case happened in the West Midlands area.
It is open to all relatives, friends and supporters of those who have been wrongly convicted
Football coach Ricardo Morrison was jailed for life today for killing his girlfriend – and his violent history of attacking his partners and other young women can be revealed for the first time.
He faces a minimum of 24 years in prison before he is elgible for parole.
In chilling similarities to his fatal assault on model and actress Amy Leigh Barnes, Morrison, 22, repeatedly attacked an ex-girlfriend who was too scared to give evidence against him in his murder trial.
He twice bit her on the face and after one assault sent her a text saying:
“I hope you die of cancer, just like your dad”
And less than a month before he stabbed Miss Barnes, 19, to death with a six-inch kitchen knife, he attacked five women, headbutting and punching victims in the face in a London nightclub.
Described in court as a “phoney and a bully”, Morrison has four previous convictions for assault and one for harassment on his ex-girlfriend, aged 23, from Birmingham.
He was never sentenced to custody and broke a restraining order.
The jury at Manchester Crown Court which convicted him today of the murder of Miss Barnes was not told of his violent past – or that he faced five charges of grievous bodily harm for the nightclub attack.
Mr Justice MacDuff ruled the details would prejudice a fair trial and Morrison faced overwhelming evidence of his guilt anyway.
Morrison’s mother, policewoman Melda Wilks, 50, was cleared of assisting an offender.
It was reported by the Birmingham Mail on the 20th of November 2010 here under the header Policewoman mum of killer Ricardo Morrison is back at work that Melda Wilks, a serving police officer for West Midlands police, was arrested and charged with “assisting an offender” on the day her 22 year old son appeared in court in relation to his murder of Amy Leigh Barnes.
The BBC reported in June 2011 here that Melda Wilks the mother of the killer and founder of West Midlands Against Injustice, had organised a “march and protest”.
The WMAI group was affiliated with the United Against Injustice group set up by Andrew Green and Ann Craven and with INNOCENT, the campaigning group also founded by Andrew Green;
According to a December 2011 blog headed “Someone else killed this girl, NOT my son”, which can be read here, Melda Wilks put together a two page printed leaflet reading “PLEASE READ THIS WITH AN OPEN MIND…WE NEED JUSTICE AND FREEDOM FOR RICARDO MORRISON”
..the two page leaflet that was handed out he is described as:
“An educated, respectable hard-working young man”, saying the GMP “maliciously lied about his background”.
And the case that Ricardo is innocent is extremely convincing, with the leaflet stating almost 20 “facts” and evidence that were supposedly overlooked by police, the public and the judge.
Apparently, there is no forensic evidence to link Ricardo to the scene of the crime, forensic found blood belonging to an ANOTHER unknown person AND the witness picked out another male from the viper identification.
This “witness” was dressed similar to the person he alleged he saw, and later went on to change his evidence in court as it did not match is statement. This a tiny fraction of the convincing facts listed on the leaflet.
The link at the foot of the above excerpts no longer works however this link does, and under the header Justice and Freedom for Ricardo Morrison are a list of innocence fraud killer Ricardo Morrison’s “facts” related to his murder of Amy Leigh Barnes.
A group called the Revolutionary Communist Group also promoted West Midlands Against Injustice in November 2011 here which made the following claim;
For prisoners who are wrongly convicted it means a life of torture for them and their families and friends.
Our aim is to bring public attention to the fact that Miscarriages of Justice are still very prevalent in our society and the group West Midlands Against Injustice (WMAI) continues to highlight unfairness of cases on a regular basis.
It is our intention to be instrumental in bringing about changes in the law in the near future! Below are brief details of some of the campaigns we are fighting for
The West Midlands Against Injustice website also promoted the also now defunct National Joint Enterprise Casework Service (NJEC) here, which stated under ’Who we are’ the following;
Screenshot taken from the now defunct National Joint Enterprise Casework Service (NJEC) promoted by WMAI
More on the people mentioned in the above screenshot will follow in future Parts of the this blog series.
InsideDoubt Start Campaigning Booklet By Stephanie Bon
Screenshot of Stephanie Bon’s website Inside Doubt
As I didn’t have any previous experience with Campaigning and with Miscarriages of Justice, I didn’t have a particular order in which I completed tasks so I have tried to break my progress down in orderly sections, I hope this helps.
Please keep in mind that I can only speak of the work I have done and what I have learned; this may not be the way for you, however it may give you a structure and ideas of how to get started.
There are many innocent people in prison but there aren’t enough “qualified hands” to help so be prepared to do as much as you can to get the case exposed.”
7. The Media 8. MP Campaign 9. Flyers I Stationery
10. Events 11. Prisoners who are Alone 12. Warning
The following is a detailed account of my personal experience. 1 – You and your Team
If possible, get a team together; trusted friends and family to help you work, understand the case, spread the word and support you.
Losing someone through a miscarriage of justice is extremely overwhelming and it can drain you emotionally and physically, particularly if it is someone close to you.
In my experience some people will try to distance themselves from you because they want to believe that the system is foolproof and always right. Don’t take things personally. Though it can be very difficult not to let the rest of the world influence you, stick to your guns.
Your team doesn’t need to be big, just make sure that you surround yourself with people you can trust and depend on and make sure they understand the case. Their true belief in the case will obviously strengthen their loyalty towards the prisoner and the campaign.
Your campaign is going to take time and you will need people who are prepared to go the distance. Be honest and realistic about the road ahead.
Don’t ever be ashamed or scared to ask as you encounter new issues. Keep in mind the person who is inside. If you are going to be their voice on the outside you will need to keep strong and objective especially if you are going to gain credibility.
From now on you are a rock! Never doubt yourself.
You may need to obtain power of attorney from the prisoner to speak on their behalf. Try keep this limited to one person if you can; decide on a dedicated team member if you have one.
This will prevent miscommunication and will make it easier for people to work with you.
This is not to say that you won’t share the work, just assign someone to act as your point of contact.
Confer with your team and exchange ideas, question each other. Try and meet regularly.
Note: Remember; 2 heads (or more) are better than one and so is a fresh pair of eyes, try not to isolate yourself.
Note: Take a rest in between working; overturning a wrongful conviction is a big piece of work and takes a long time.
2 – The Prisoner
Being convicted of a crime you haven’t committed is an enormous burden to carry, some people lose everything in the space of a day. Bear in mind how the prisoner might be feeling.
Try be confident for the prisoner. Be strong and solid, use your friends and team to discuss your fears. Remind the prisoner that you believe them and that you will do all you can to change the circumstances.
Tell them that this is not uncommon and that people can and have been successful.
Be aware that the nature of the crime they were convicted of will have an impact on the prisoner’s day to day life in prison; support the prisoner in maintaining their innocence.
Prisoners have much to gain by admitting to their offence; help them to not be influenced by the system.
Prisoners will be offered to take part in rehabilitation courses to address their alleged wrong behaviour.
These are not compulsory although their taking part will have an impact on their progress through the system.
Remind them that they are not guilty and that they need to consistently stick to the truth.
Note: Talk to solicitors and the organisations for more legal advice on rehabilitation courses issues.
Always involve the prisoner as much as you can, show them that they still have some control over their lives and future. They have!
Send them copies of everything you do and everything happening with their campaign; show them that they matter and that they are not forgotten.
Contact their friends and ask them to write and visit, keep in touch, remember birthdays and Christmas, none of these happens inside …
Note: Some people may be frightened at the thought of visiting someone in prison, please bear that in mind and do not try to force people as it may make them run away, there are other ways for people to keep in touch.
Some prisoners will want to know what is happening with life on the outside, others won’t, always consider their feelings and do not try to impose your way because you think it’s best.
Remember that they are the people who have to cope with the isolation so always respect their wishes.
Note: Some prisoners will be on the ball and ready to fight with you; others may feel too beaten. This does not mean that you give up; it just means that you need more support for yourself on the outside.
Note: Remember that prisons have televisions and newspapers therefore anything which gets published and that is in the view of other prisoners and prison staff will have an impact on the prisoner and they will have to deal with the consequences. Always ask the prisoners for permission before you do anything.
Note: Although I was always unsuccessful, try and meet with the prison governor to explain the situation, you never know and it’s always worth trying.
Remember that they are the people who have to cope with the isolation so always respect their wishes.
3 – Legal Team Discuss and decide with the prisoner whether s/he is going to stay with the same legal team they had at trial and if so, discuss their experience in Miscarriages of Justice.
If you are going to find a new legal team, in my experience, the more concise the information you have to present a defence lawyer; the easier it will be for them to get an idea of the case and decide whether to represent the prisoner or not.
There are Law firms out there who specialise in MOJ and who are prepared to take cases on, write in for more information.
Note: Don’t be deflated by rejection and keep knocking on people’s doors!
Note: It can be very difficult to communicate with prisoners as prisons usually have a “volatile & unreliable” post system … this is why obtaining power of attorney is a good idea; it will avoid a lot of duplication and save time. Also, please visit The Innocence Network UK
The Innocence Network UK (INUK) is the co-ordinating organisation for affiliated Innocence Projects based in UK universities.
Their aim is Educate to overturn and prevent the wrongful conviction of innocent people. (Under “Links”, visit their website for more information)
4 – Case study Talk to the prisoner about their case, if anyone knows they do; they are probably the only person who sat throughout the whole trial.
Gather as much as the case papers as you can and read through them as many times as you need. Read and understand the judge’s summing up; this is the most important document you have as it should contain everything about the trial.
Research the case; look for things that don’t “add up”, try not to be bias, of course you believe they are innocent but if it helps, try and prove them guilty, it may bring out more of the evidence which shows that the conviction is unsafe. Write everything down and ask your legal team as many questions as you can think of, if you don’t have one yet, there are people out there who can help, just ask.
Never feel stupid for asking!
Read up other cases (there are hundreds available online), compare issues, look for similarities, there are common patterns to miscarriages of justice, look for them.
Build up data, start putting together documents (see J4S), this will help you make sense of it all and see where “it went wrong”.
Please see United Against Injustice for information on how to “present your case”.
5 – Your Website Once you are familiar with the case and the discrepancies and that you have built the documents required to put your case back in the public eye, building a webpage I website is going to be the best way for you to gather support.
Look at other sites, ask other campaigners for tips, what works, what doesn’t.
What information can I put on my website:
Present the case briefly and in detail, the evidence against the Prisoner, the alibi, why you believe the prisoner is innocent, the Judge’s summing up, start a petition, have a guestbook for people to keep in touch and make sure the prisoner has a space too so that they can write in and communicate with their supporters.
Have a news page to keep people informed of any developments.
Note: Please make sure you consult with your legal team or the organisations to check your site BEFORE you launch it in case there is something on there which would be best kept out in case it could damage the future appeal of the prisoner.
This does not mean that you have something to hide, just be safe with the Law and never act without appropriate advice.
Once you are ready to launch your site, inform everyone you know so that they visit the site and start writing in, there is nothing like an empty site to make people turn away.
Note: Don’t forget to put everything you do on your website, this can sometimes help put pressure on the people you are asking for help.
Make sure you have a contact page where people can write to you and don’t be offended by people’s questions, remember that most people have no idea that this goes on and most of the time they are trying to understand.
Note: Don’t waste time on people who are only being vindictive for the sake of it, they’ll soon get bored and move on to the next thing 🙂 and you have better things to do. Don’t take things personally.
Once you start to have a list of supporters don’t be frightened to ask for support, people want to help, imagine if everyone on your list brings 10 new people to the cause, your mailing list will soon start to grow.
Any ideas you have can work, sit down and make plans on how you are going to go about things.
Remember to always be objective and as “un-emotional” as you can about this, people need facts and the truth.
When someone writes to you, reply as soon as you can, stay aware that people soon move on to the next thing, grab their attention and publish as much information as you can as often as you can.
Anything to do with Miscarriages of Justice and the Justice System will interest and educate your readers; it will also help keep other cases in the news. Work together with other campaigners.
Always Be Honest and remember that you have nothing to hide.
Keep in mind that everyone has a past and just because someone has made mistakes, it does not mean they are guilty of this particular crime, in fact, it could be the reason why the Prisoner was picked on in the first place.
The system and the police have a tendency to use people’s vulnerabilities against them and character assassination is a powerful tool with Jurors.
Use your website to tell people what happens to the prisoner in prison, don’t be scared to speak up for them.
Once you are satisfied with your site, start to copy it onto other public medium such as MySpace, Facebook, Bebo, NowPublic, etc.
Please see under “Links”, the more you can put your case out there the more chances you have of being noticed and you will be surprised of how many other people are doing the same.
Note: As much as you can, always ask the prisoner to contribute, this is the tool which is going to help you raise their profile and awareness of their case.
Make them feel involved in what happens with their campaign.
6 – Organisations There are some excellent organisations out there (see Links) so please contact them and use them, no one minds and in my experience, as long as people see you help yourself, they will always have time for you.
(Remember that no one is going to run your campaign for you … )
Make sure to read through what the agencies offer and what they have available on their websites so that you don’t waste people’s time, always be patient.
A lot of people have written articles on MOJ and these can be very helpful in your research, try spend time reading these before you ask questions.
Ask the organisations and other campaigners to link you on their website and in return, link them on your website. Note: Remember to always read people’s websites before you link them and if in doubt don’t link them. Also make it clear to your readers that you are not responsible for the content of other webpages / websites. Always ask people for their permission before you do anything.
Note: Try not judge other people’s work or question their beliefs, whether you choose to associate with them or not is down to your personal opinion, stick to your case, everyone who fights for MOJ believes in their cause. It is down to you who is on your website.
Always let the organisations know what you are doing so that they can publish it in their news, this will help bring more publicity to your case.
Contact MOJUK (see Links) and ask them to add the prisoner and you to their mailing list; this means the Prisoner will receive a regular newsletter and you emails of any news related to miscarriages of justice, including the updates you post on their case.
Information and Communication is key.
Note: Look into other cases where people have been freed and cleared, this will help you understand the system and the damage wrong convictions cause.
There are amazing people out there who have been victims of MOJ and in my experience, they are the best people to ask.
7 – The Media Contact the local press and inform them of your new website I campaign.
The chances are that if they followed the case, they will be interested in this new development.
The prisoner’s character would have been very damaged by the press during the investigation, it’s time to turn this round and show the public the other side of the coin.
Try to build a rapport with your local journalists, meet with them if you can and discuss the case and what they can do to help.
Journalists are aware of Miscarriages of Justice so try and make them see the consequences their words can have on someone. They are the people’s voices.
“Bad hair day” pictures of the Prisoners may have been published during the trial, the worst they look; the better the impact, try and show other photos on your website and contribute new ones to the press.
Always make sure that journalists are going to write an unbiased article, give you a chance to make a fresh start with the case, don’t be afraid to negotiate and only offer input if they are prepared to work with you, not make the situation worse.
Note: Whatever journalists say they can help, so if they are not willing to do so, move on, don’t settle for just anything just to get the case back in the news. Remember that it can be very damaging for the prisoner and for you.
Spend time on the internet when you can and look for anyone you think might help you, there are many investigative journalists specialising on miscarriages of justice out there waiting to write about your case! Private Eye is always a good one.
Remember you are not alone and these people have a lot of experience.
Some journalists may want to visit the prisoner (possibly undercover), this is fine and it will help them make a better assessment of the situation, particularly the investigative ones.
Unfortunately or not, the press is very much about sensationalism, most cases are and therefore are of interest; don’t let your prisoner’s wrong conviction be the last thing people hear about them.
Contact your local radio station; they may want to talk to you about the case.
Not many television programs are dedicated to MOJ anymore if any; be aware of people’s motives if they approach you about making a documentary on your case.
Don’t just trust anyone and make sure that you will be involved every step of the way, some journalists have their own agendas and unless they are prepared to make a program to “highlight” the inadequacies of the case and you are 100% sure of the format and have a say on the outcome, don’t agree to anything.
Don’t sell yourself and the Prisoner short for the sake of having something on TV, there will always be another offer, especially as your campaign gathers momentum … it may be about sensationalism, but the bottom line is that this is about someone life.
There may be smaller companies out there interested in MOJ, look for them.
Explore possibilities such as Media students, contact Universities and remember; if you don’t ask you don’t get. Keep in mind that the Prisoner doesn’t need anymore bad press; I personally do not believe that “it’s all good as long as it’s out there”.
Work with people who have integrity and don’t be defeatist; a lot of people enjoy their work and are passionate about what they do, take your time and look for the best.
Always keep in mind the victim (of the crime) and their family, however try not to let emotions get in the way of your campaigning, remember that an innocent person is in prison and that just because the police has done a good job of convincing the victim’s family and most of the public, it’s not to say that they are right.
This isn’t a personal fight, you are campaigning against a wrong conviction, don’t engage in vendettas and damage yours or anyone’s reputation.
Someone is responsible for every crime but we have to make sure that the right person is in prison.
8 – MP Campaign This is an idea of how to run a National Campaign to MPs and ask for support with your campaign.
Please feel free to use the templates on this site, amend as needed or write your own, these are just examples of how I did it.
Note that there are 2 different templates:
Letter 1 for YOUR MP – Letter 2 for MPs outside your constituency-
Also write a separate “brief account” of the case; Please see Justice 4 Simon, “In Brief” to see what I wrote.
This will be attached to your letter and it will help your MP get a quick, clear idea of the case.
Add that they can also visit your website for more details on the case and contact you with any questions; always leave your personal details on your correspondence.
Start with the prisoner’s MP and yours if you live in a different constituency.
Outside constituency: Bear in mind that most MP’s will not reply and if they do, they will often tell you that they are not able to act on behalf of someone who doesn’t live in their constituency. Don’t be disheartened, keep at it!
Note: Once your MP or the Prisoner’s MP agrees to support you, there is no law stopping other MP’s joining them so don’t be scared to ask again.
Document this on your website, let your supporters and the press know what you are doing and ask your supporters to use the templates to write to their own MPs.
Always have a structure and inform your supporters of when you will announce the results of your campaign, have a date in mind so that you don’t wait forever. (Be reasonable and check the MPs time tables, a lot happens in Parliament)
Note: Consistency is the key to running a campaign, don’t start something that you will not finish, as small as you think it may be; your supporters will always follow your example.
Always follow up.
Do not take no news as being good news; follow up with your MP (and the Prisoner’s).
You can also write another letter reminding them that you are still waiting for a reply and that you are due to publish your results soon.
A phone call doesn’t hurt either and you can ask for a meeting.
Concentrate on your MP (and the Prisoner’s) as they are the only ones who can help you initially, it will be easier to gather others once these are on board.
Always ask for their permission to publish any correspondence you receive from them.
Inform the press of your results, MPs who agree to support you will often agree to interviews with the press; more publicity for your case.
Send the letters to your MP by post, I emailed the others (it’s cheaper and just as effective)
Visit The Parliament Website for email addresses, there are plenty of other websites where you can find emails for MP, just look for them.
Note: MPs change their em ails addresses so you will need to go through the list above and copy them to create your own list.
Create an email for other MPs entitled Miscarriage of Justice, attach your Letter and “In Brief” with a short note to ask them to take a look at your documents.
Remember to thanks MPs who offer their support and add them to your mailing list so that they can see the progress of your case, always keep in touch and don’t hesitate to ask them for advice. Make sure they sign your petition. Remember to always publish everything you do and tell the organisations.
We were very lucky to be assigned an MP’s Aid who consistently worked with us and supported us, invite them to join you at Miscarriages of Justice day and other events I conferences you attend.
9 – Flyers I Stationery
Once your website is online, start using stationery that matches your site, use your means, have a logo and print it on the paper you use to your write letters on. This just makes you look more professional.
Make yourself a word template with your logo, details, prisoner’s details and website address.
Design a flyer that you can put on your website and that people can print and distribute if they want to.
Note: Remember that fancy designs and coloured flyers are expensive to print so a simple black and white A4 or AS document is enough to start with.
State the case briefly and put your web address on.
Ask your friends to distribute it; stick it on your window, at the back of your car, anywhere you think someone might see it.
Once you can and if you have funds you can always look at doing something better but think of all the leaflets you see out on the streets and in bins … use them wisely …
10 – Events Get into a habit and keep cheeking on the organisations websites for events to do with Miscarriages of Justice. Every year, United Against Injustice organises a Miscarriage of Justice day.
Try to attend if you can; they offer workshops and are full of people who can help you, it will also give you the opportunity to meet with other people in your situation, and build more support for yourself.
Make sure you take your flyers and anything else you have so that you can distribute them and spread the word.
Every year brings new speakers and you may be surprised of who you get to meet, solicitors, experts, journalists, etc. Everyone there has a common cause, they are involved with Miscarriages of Justice and you can learn from each other.
11 – Warning …
Be prepared to be patient, this is not to say that you wait for things to happen, there are a lot of “alleged” miscarriages of justice out there and your case will soon be yesterday’s news if you do not keep proactive.
If leave to appeal has not been granted the next stop is the Criminal Case Review Commission (CCRC)
It took almost 5 years from the first application form being sent about the wrongful arrest to the case being assigned a case worker at the CCRC. (-see under “Links”for more information on this government body)
It took almost 2 years for the campaigning team to read the case papers, make sense of everything and discover evidence.
It took over 3 years of tenuous work, everyday to get recognition and to build momentum with the website and the campaign.
Research is paramount, read about other cases, watch documentaries, read books, look up the organisation’s websites, ask questions and study whatever you need to study to understand the case better.
H.M forces and the Justice system are not keen to admit that they have made a mistake and they will make it as difficult as they can for you, be persistent and do not feel discouraged by closed doors, do not expect them to be helpful but keep knocking!
Correspondence needs to be followed up, make sure you keep copies of everything you send and do not hesitate to send forms 2 or 3 times, just in case one gets “lost in the post”. Follow up with a phone call to ensure it has been received.
Our application to the CCRC was sent twice by the person inside and twice by us, yet they spent months claiming that they hadn’t received it.
The police will undoubtedly monitor what you are doing, especially if you get a lot of press attention, they have the means to screen your website, phone calls, etc. … this is not a certainty but be aware that it does happen! Be sure of who you speak to and what you talk about.
Beware of people who claim to know information about the case; people like to feel involved and have the best intentions at hearts, don’t believe in hearsay.
Remember that not everyone will agree with you, you may get some strong opinions at times; rise above it and keep focused, everyone is entitled to their opinion and do not waste your time arguing pointlessly.
Be suspicious of people’s “hidden agendas”, criminal cases are delicate subjects; do not divulge information to just anyone because you think they might help you.
Always respect the victim’s dignity and integrity.
If you do not have a lawyer, always confer with the agencies who will advise you if you are unsure about anything.
As frustrated as you may feel at times, remember that the system is designed to discourage you, the longer you go on, the more chances you have of succeeding, persistence and determination will get you there eventually.
Take one day at a time.
Unfortunately, miscarriages of justice do happen and therefore try and study previous cases closely, educate yourself, use the support groups and work with other campaigners, share your knowledge.
As time goes on and we learn how to fight the system, hopefully the time it takes to overturn wrongful convictions will shorten and eventually the judicial system might put appropriate procedures in place to allow people to defend themselves fairly and rapidly.
Stay patient, active and never give up.
Please contact us on the website if you have any questions.
INNOCENCE FRAUD WATCH 