Fiona Hamilton – Neil Wilby Media

Another step on long road to justice?

This weekend, the latest legal submissions will be made to the Criminal Case Review Commission (“CCRC”) in an effort to clear the name of a man convicted of murder in 1994 (writes Neil Wilby). The ‘Further Reply’ is in response to a Provisional Statement of Reasons issued by the criminal justice watchdog in October, 2019.Continue reading “Another step on long road to justice?”

Lamp fails to light the way

Seven years ago today, The Times newspaper informed its readers that Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary had appointed Greater Manchester Police (GMP) to investigate corruption allegations involving a neighbouring force (read the article in full here). The notorious West Yorkshire Police (WYP), whose miscarriage of justice history stretches back almost 50 years, are accused of aContinue reading “Lamp fails to light the way”

Disgraced Durham detective to face further scrutiny

An appeal against the outcome of an investigation into alleged dishonesty of Greater Manchester Police chief constable was lodged with the Independent Office of Police Conduct on 16th July, 2019. The allegations focus on the truthfulness and nature of a vitriolic, ad hominem public response by Ian Hopkins to an article written in the The TimesContinue reading “Disgraced Durham detective to face further scrutiny”

Barton beats an unexpected retreat

Earlier this week Durham Constabulary announced the retirement of its chief constable, Mike Barton, both on social media and via a press release issued to local, regional and national media. The story attracted little attention, given the controversial figure he has frequently cut.But this announcement took many people by surprise, not least policing colleagues whomContinue reading “Barton beats an unexpected retreat”

Chief constable faces investigation over ‘false’ statement

Greater Manchester Police is the fourth largest force in the country. It has been the subject of a barrage of well aimed press criticism over the past year or so. Almost all of it by the leading ‘serious’ newspaper in the United Kingdom, The Times. The ‘newspaper of record’ has also taken the unusual stepContinue reading “Chief constable faces investigation over ‘false’ statement”