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It is now almost universally accepted that our criminal justice system is broken. Anyone who has experienced its inner workings has a story to tell; from the accused to victims of crime, lawyers to probation officers, witnesses to judges. A decade of unparalleled cuts has completely reshaped our idea of criminal justice, an idea that was once envied globally. In Un:Just, we provide a space to tell the stories of that broken system. Visit thejusticegap.com https://soundcloud.com/ed-starkey-17 ...
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Coming soon: The Justice Gap Podcast, a weekly podcast where we speak to those at the sharp end of the fighting injustice. Subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts. thejusticegap.com
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"I'm innocent, I'm innocent, I'm innocent" - The story of Winston Trew and the Oval four (Part II, Feat. Stephen Simmons & Jenny Wiltshire)
28:23
It took 47 years to overturn the convictions of Winston Trew and the Oval 4. When the illegal activities of corrupt cop, DS Derek Ridgewell, were presented to the Court of Appeal, Winston's conviction was ruled unsafe. This case shines a light on not only the wrongful actions of one police officer, but also on a wider systemic failure to right thos…
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"I felt my face getting tight and I could hardly breathe" - The story of Winston Trew and the Oval four (Part I)
16:38
On the 16th of March, 1972, Winston Trew, Sterling Christie, George Griffiths and Omar Boucher were heading home from a 'Fasimbas' meeting. When they arrived into Oval tube station, they were apprehended by a group of white men claiming to be police. Except no IDs were shown. A fight ensued, before the four men were framed for crimes that didn't ha…
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"The concept of redemption is extremely important" - What's happening with Parole? (Feat. CEO Martin Jones)
19:38
Generally, the inner workings of the parole board go under the radar in discussions around current affairs. When we do hear about it, it’s usually because a decision has been made to release a criminal who’s committed the most abhorrent crimes. How have things changed since the controversial 2018 decision to release John Warboys (AKA "the black cab…
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"Like Amazon warehouses, treating people like cardboard boxes" - Prisons during a pandemic, an international view
26:47
Different jurisdictions worldwide are grappling to prevent massive outbreaks of Covid-19 in prisons. The UK has, thus far, maintained low death rate inside, but at what cost? Frances Crook, CEO of the Howard League for Penal Reform, says it's because prisoners are being locked up for at least 23 hours a day. How sustainable is this approach? In thi…
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In this episode, you’ll hear the inspiring poet Brenda Birungi, better known as the Lady Unchained, tell her story through her poetry and a conversation over the phone with me. She is the founder of Unchained Poetry, an artist platform for people with lived experience of the justice system. Unchained seeks to provide an alternative path to ex-offen…
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Solitary confinement: "I wouldn't wish it upon anyone". We are all coming to terms with the peculiar new reality that is the lockdown. But how does our current situation compare with spending 24 hours a day locked up in a tiny, stuffy cell without any means for communication? I spoke to two men who know all too well. Patrick Maguire, of the Maguire…
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"The perfect petri dish" - Prisons and Coronavirus (Feat. John Podmore, Sally Halsall, Charlotte Henry and more)
18:15
The unparalleled coronavirus pandemic is causing health, economic and social chaos worldwide. But what does it mean for prisons and prisoners? The prison population is ageing with generally poorer physical and mental health. If it were to rip through the prison system, it could wreak havoc. I spoke with Former HMP Brixton Governor and prisons exper…
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Justin Brooks is the director and co-founder of the California Innocence Project, a non-profit organisation based in San Diego, which provides pro bono legal services to individuals maintaining their innocence. In its 20 year history, they have successfully freed 30 innocent individuals, including Brian Banks, whose story has been made into a Holly…
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Pilot episode where we look into the most pressing issue of our time - Disclosure. To help me understand this crisis better, I spoke with Michael O'Brien, who wrongfully served over 11 years in prison for murder and Liam Allan himself. I was also joined by his lawyer and 2018's Barrister of the Year, Julia Smart. Maya Chopra gave me an insight into…
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