Un:Just

thejusticegap.com

It took 47 years to overturn the convictions of Winston Trew and the Oval 4. When the illegal activities of corrupt cop, DS Derek Ridgewell, were presented to the Court of Appeal, Winston's conviction was ruled unsafe. This case shines a light on not only the wrongful actions of one police officer, but also on a wider systemic failure to right those wrongs. This is part 2 of 2 which features Stephen Simmons and Jenny Wiltshire.

On the 16th of March, 1972, Winston Trew, Sterling Christie, George Griffiths and Omar Boucher were heading home from a 'Fasimbas' meeting. When they arrived into Oval tube station, they were apprehended by a group of white men claiming to be police. Except no IDs were shown. A fight ensued, before the four men were framed for crimes that didn't happen and sentenced to two years in prison. Winston Trew tells Un:Just about that fateful day, which was just the prelude to a near fifty year fight for justice.

Generally, the inner workings of the parole board go under the radar in discussions around current affairs. When we do hear about it, it’s usually because a decision has been made to release a criminal who’s committed the most abhorrent crimes. How have things changed since the controversial 2018 decision to release John Warboys (AKA "the black cab rapist)? And how has Covid-19 affected proceedings? Aqsa Hussein speaks to CEO of the parole board, Martin Jones, and prison lawyers to find the answers.

Different jurisdictions worldwide are grappling to prevent massive outbreaks of Covid-19 in prisons. The UK has, thus far, maintained low death rate inside, but at what cost? Frances Crook, CEO of the Howard League for Penal Reform, says it's because prisoners are being locked up for at least 23 hours a day. How sustainable is this approach? In this episode, you'll hear from different jurisdictions in how they are coping. Are early release schemes the answer?

In this episode, you’ll hear the inspiring poet Brenda Birungi, better known as the Lady Unchained, tell her story through her poetry and a conversation over the phone with me. She is the founder of Unchained Poetry, an artist platform for people with lived experience of the justice system. Unchained seeks to provide an alternative path to ex-offenders within a system where that support is lacking.

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Solitary confinement: "I wouldn't wish it upon anyone". We are all coming to terms with the peculiar new reality that is the lockdown. But how does our current situation compare with spending 24 hours a day locked up in a tiny, stuffy cell without any means for communication? I spoke to two men who know all too well. Patrick Maguire, of the Maguire 7, and Lee Cutter both spent time in solitary confinement before turning to art. 

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The unparalleled coronavirus pandemic is causing health, economic and social chaos worldwide. But what does it mean for prisons and prisoners? The prison population is ageing with generally poorer physical and mental health. If it were to rip through the prison system, it could wreak havoc. I spoke with Former HMP Brixton Governor and prisons expert, John Podmore, and those with loved ones inside to get a glimpse of what could happen. 

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Justin Brooks is the director and co-founder of the California Innocence Project, a non-profit organisation based in San Diego, which provides pro bono legal services to individuals maintaining their innocence. In its 20 year history, they have successfully freed 30 innocent individuals, including Brian Banks, whose story has been made into a Hollywood film. Brooks, played by Greg Kinnear, joined me for a conversation about his and CIP's work, and where it all began.

Pilot episode where we look into the most pressing issue of our time - Disclosure. To help me understand this crisis better, I spoke with Michael O'Brien, who wrongfully served over 11 years in prison for murder and Liam Allan himself. I was also joined by his lawyer and 2018's Barrister of the Year, Julia Smart. Maya Chopra gave me an insight into the crisis at magistrates Court, and Danielle Reece-Greenhalgh spoke with me about the possible ways forward.