The abolition of the discretionary scheme for compensation means that were a similar case to occur now they would not be compensated unless they sue, despite being demonstrably innocent. The same logic that if a conviction is quashed on a first appeal the system is working as intended denies them even the limited aftercare provided by the Miscarriages of Justice Project for victims of miscarriages of justice.

This is a shameful way to treat the victims of easily preventable miscarriage of justice. If this issue is not addressed more victims will be created. And it does not end here. What about the way Lynette’s family have been treated. They were assured that the original defendants were guilty. Indeed the late Terry White reacted furiously towards the original defendants on various occasions. Her family had to endure the certainty that the guilty were paying for their crime taken away and then 11 years with nobody being punished for it only to find out that they had been badly misled and had hated the wrong people. They have yet to receive an apology for the failings of the investigation and the effect that it as had upon them. What assistance do they receive in coming to terms with what happened and the guilt of having hated the wrong people for so long?

They receive no compensation for the failings of the criminal justice system. Peggy in particular was forced not only to cope with the loss of her daughter, but she had to fight tenaciously to get justice for her daughter. She paid a very high price that has not been acknowledged or resolved.

by Satish Sekar © Satish Sekar (January 31^st 2009)