Miscarriages of JusticeUK

Secret Can of Worms Untouched as Government Fail Barry George Again!

David Cameron should hang his head in shame at this 'heavily influenced' legal outcome but is probably regretting the fact that Barry does not have a hook on one hand and a suspect foreign background so that he could be quickly and safely flown out of his jurisdiction

Don Hale OBE, comments on Barry George decision

This is yet another shocking but highly predictable decision from a potentially biased judiciary, ably supported by a cruel, uncaring Government that still don't believe there are any innocent people in prison. They are also so conceited to believe that our once proud British justice system is still the best in the world. Rubbish! It may have been once upon a time - but that was a very long, long time ago - and has now become a huge joke! The world is not laughing with them, but at them!

After their recent series of failures with high profile extradition cases and taken to task over numerous human rights issues, we have become a global laughing stock! This government still refuses to accept the legal decisions of an appeal court who quashed the conviction of man jailed for a murder he did not commit. Irrespective of the claimant's potential earning capacity or the long hours charged for unwanted bed & breakfast, Barry George is innocent. He was cleared of the murder of Jill Dando and should be ably compensated for his unlawful detention.

It highlights the ignorance of this Government when they are prepared to shell out thousands of pounds to Westminster favoured barristers eager for their next Knighthood or senior title, to fight appeals, instigate retrials, and challenge genuine compensation claims - and yet refuse to pay for their blatant errors and false imprisonment. It is a scandal of the highest level!

I think there is potentially a similar claim for unfair detention against the Met Police for false imprisonment and for intensive victimisation of this particular individual.

Everyone and his dog knew Barry was innocent of this crime but it was deemed 'politically incorrect' to allow him an easy ride in his miscarriage appeals, and the powers that be are still smarting from his appeal success. Barry was just an unfortunate but ideal scapegoat for this crime. I, like many other investigate journalists, believe this assassination was a political killing. The precise reasons why, and the identification and nationality of the real killer, will probably remain a mystery forever. Only certain senior members of NATO, the Met Police, Britain's security services and key Government officials will ever know the true facts.

The unexpected release of Barry caused an embarrassment for the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary and threatens to open a rotting, controversial and volatile can of worms. Barry George was not involved in this killing at all. He inadvertently became a convenient political pawn - someone who be tucked away and forgotten. They thought nobody cared about him! I did, and so did his family and team of supporters. I am proud to say that I played a small but valuable part in the initial preparation and presentation of his second appeal. I even visited him in his high security cell and told the world about his story of innocence! The real truth is out there somewhere but the SIS shredders may still be on overtime; and as for Barry, he should continue with his claim. He deserves something for eight unlawful years in jail.

David Cameron should hang his head in shame at this 'heavily influenced' legal outcome but is probably regretting the fact that Barry does not have a hook on one hand and a suspect foreign background so that he could be quickly and safely flown out of his jurisdiction.

My advice is to keep going Barry - you deserve much better than this!

Don Hale OBE

donald.hale@talk21.com