This is the story of the savage murder of a woman in broad daylight, of how several witnesses clearly saw a suspect who had been acting suspiciously during that day. This man was clean shaven. Almost three years later Derek Christian was tried for this murder and - despite very flimsy evidence - convicted. Derek was known to have a pronounced goatee beard at the time of the crime. Founded by the brother and sister of Derek Christian, and with the support of his family and friends, Beyond Reasonable Doubt is campaigning for his release. Derek's case is published in detail on the Innocent site. Here are the campaign's opening words, followed by a link to all the other information available.
At the end of a three-week trial a jury decided - on the basis of purely circumstantial
evidence - that Derek Christian should serve a life sentence for a crime of which
he is innocent. It decided - beyond reasonable doubt - in a mere two hours and ten
minutes.
Derek is now serving a mandatory life sentence at HMP Frankland. Convicted
of murder not only on the strength of circumstantial evidence, but also in the face
of conflicting - and in part very doubtful - prosecution evidence.
Derek Christian
has always protested his innocence. He will continue to do so. This decision will,
in all probability, cost him any hope of ever being granted parole. Of that there
can be very little doubt.
We also firmly believe that Derek is innocent. We wish
to see that justice is done. Rather than being seen to be done. In this regard, we
can only echo the words of the Lord Chief Justice - "This is such a strange and obscure
story that it is difficult to recommend any punitive term with complete confidence."
His leave to appeal having been refused, the only way forward for Derek Christian
is through the Criminal Cases Review Commission. We are submitting an application
to the CCRC, requesting that his conviction be examined and the case referred to
the Court of Appeal.
Reversing a miscarriage of justice is a difficult and lengthy
process. One which can take decades rather than years, as is demonstrated by the
cases of Andrew Evans, Stefan Kiszko and James Hanratty, to name but three of countless
others.
If, after reading the following articles and viewing the evidence, you are
left with any reasonable doubt as to Derek's conviction, we - and he - would greatly
appreciate your support. Should you feel that you are able to help in any way whatsoever
or should you wish to make known your feelings on the case, please do not hesitate
to contact us.
You can read more at: http://www.innocent.org.uk/currentcases/derekchristian
www.slimeylimeyjustice.org