|
Outside: but Still Campaigning, Glen
Soames Glen Soames - Appeal I am currently 30 years of age. I have recently been released from prison after serving 3 years of a four year sentence for GBH (Grievious Bodily Harm). Four years ago I was employed as a door supervisor in a night-club in Cheltenham, Club Mondo's, My life at the time was very settled and calm. On I I th July 1996, 1 left for work as usual unaware of the life changing experience that awaited me. Towards the end of the evening at approximately I .00am I refused entry to two men, this was company policy - no persons were to be admitted into the club after 1.00 am. The two men left only to reappear a short time later. From their behaviour it was obvious that they were under the influence of alcohol. In a calm manner I once again refused them entry. Access to the club could actually be gained via the premises next door, also a night-club. The two men approached the door man of these premises and tried to gain access that way, they were also refused by him, he explained that he could not override the decision of a separate venue but perhaps at a later date an introduction couId be arranged between themselves and Glen Soames. The two men returned to Club Mondo's. After an exchange of words, Shaun Ballentine pushed me and then punched me in the face, I fell backwards and was disorientated. Immediately another figure approached me in an threatening manner at which point I punched him, he fell striking his head on the door and the pavement. He was rendered unconscious and suffered brain damage as a result of his injuries. The whole incident lasted a matter of seconds. I have always maintained that I acted in self defence. In fact my hands were in my pockets when I was attacked by Shaun Ballentine. the CCTV evidence of the incident backs this up. One year later however I was tried for GBH with intent. This was reduced to GBH for which I received a four year sentence. The initial attack against me was documented but no charges were brought against the assailant, due to a lack of evidence, despite the video footage. As a result of this injustice, my whole life has been turned upside down. Media coverage was extensive and a past conviction was mentioned. They raked up an incident that had occurred years earlier in my Youth. In the months leading to the trial I was under tremendous pressure and my relationship of 3 years with my girl friend crumbled , I was without work and people who I considered to be my friends turned against me. During my period of incarceration I was moved to five different prisons, some of them being hundreds of miles away from my family. Spending 22 hours per day in a cell could have pushed me over the edge. However I was determined to prove that a miscarriage of justice had occurred and spent a lot of time reading up on the law and compiling my appeal notes. Despite receiving knockbacks from the appeal courts, I continue to appeal, this time to the European courts. Although I am now free, the mental anguish remains. Only a couple of weeks ago my photograph and name were splashed across prime time T.V. in connection with a compensation claim being made by the injured mans family, estimated at four million pounds. It goes without saying that the injuries sustained by Paul Steele were unfortunate and regrettable. However the British judicial system seems to be saying - defend yourself at your peril as it may be you who is punished. It's one lottery no one can afford to take part in. Further Information You will need Acrobat reader to access these files, it's a free download, all platforms: Down load Acrobat reader
|