shirleymckie.myfastforum.org

*Angel* · Joined: 30 May 2007 Posts: 86

I would like to recommend the book;

NO SMOKE, by Sandra Lean
Published by CheckPoint Press "RecoveryBooks" Program 2008,

This book covers seven different cases, Derek Christian, John Taft, Gordon Park, Simon Hall, Luke Mitchell, Susan May and Sion Jenkins.

For those of you who read this book and believe that miscarriages of justice are few and far between, it comes as quite a shock. Many people might believe that the family and relatives of almost anyone who is convicted of a serious crime, do not want to believe that one of theirs could have done the crime, but when Sandra started with her investigation she found easily accessible information that showed that something was terribly wrong with the Justice System.

As Sandra’s investigation proceeded she also found another phenomenon, not only were people reluctant to discuss the issue of miscarriages of justice, and the suggestion that there may be some very serious flaws in the justice system, some would also vigorously(and sometimes with hostility) defend their position that Sandra was mistaken, even with pages of documented evidence before them. That was shocking!

Sandra Lean adds an analysis of the features of miscarriage of justice cases. She lists twelve of these:
* verdict dependant on purely circumstantial evidence,
* the presence of "glaringly obvious 'reasonable' doubt",
* no DNA or other forensic evidence linking suspect to crime,
* no formal identification of suspects,
* failure to investigate other more likely suspects,
* over-reliance on expert evidence,
* unsubstantiated evidence provided by "someone with a vested interest in the suspect being convicted ",
* doubt about whether it was physically possible for the suspect to have committed the crime, * clothing as part of the prosecution case,
* "character assassination" as "a strong part of the prosecution's case",
* pathologists / forensic scientists selectively interpreting evidence so as to support the prosecution case, and
* the previous good character of the defendant.

All the cases she recounts have at least ten of these features. So the question is how could the prosecutions succeed despite the presence of them?

Sandra also writes about; the flaws in the Police, court procedures, expert witness practices, and the defects of the appeal system. What can we the public do to continue with high lighting miscarriages of Justice? Sandra thinks that we, the public, should "demand that our justice system is based on a search for the truth...

Another problem that Sandra writes about is the Media;"The Media very often is guilty of having a direct impact on cases. When the people whose arrests, trials and appeals, are covered in a negative and sensational manner by the press, the people have already been on "trial by the media".

Sandra writes; Pursuing legal action is a lengthy and expensive process, particularly if several newspapers have printed the same “information”. When an individual is fighting to be released from an unjust conviction, from inside prison, the majority of their energy and resources must, of necessity, be devoted to that cause, leaving little left over for “taking on the press”.[/url]

The book can be bought at Amazon.co.uk £ 11.35

Maria

scotkaz · Joined: 28 Aug 2008 Posts: 526

See www.whygage.com for details. I also have some copies of the book if anyone wants one.

Get the amazing new book Win Win by William Gage.

It is a harrowing true story that will shock, enlighten, inspire and strengthen you.

A case of gangland murder, political and judicial intrigue and a terrifying tale of totalitarian machinations.

When you see how one man can survive the absolute hell of wrongful imprisonment you'll be encouraged to stand brave and strong in the face of any problems that life may bring.

What happened to William Gage could happen to anyone. Dont miss the chance to get a copy of this phenomenal book.

In 159 pages it is packed with more mind-blowing revelations than any ten books of the same genre put together.

Big Wullie · Joined: 25 Apr 2007 Posts: 1149 Location: Glasgow

Product Description
Her crime - to speak the truth and refuse to accept the mis-identification of her fingerprint, allegedly found at a murder scene she should not have entered. During those nine years, her case became an international cause celebre during which she gained the support of the world fingerprint experts community and much of the world's press whilst at home being persecuted by government ministers, smeared by senior police officers and having her integrity traduced by Scottish forensic experts and Scottish politicians. Now, for the first time the true and authorized story of the Shirley McKie case is told by her father Iain - her strongest champion - and former MSP Michael Russell who has worked alongside the McKie family for over seven years.

About the Author
Iain McKie was a police officer for thirty years, rising to the rank of Superintendent. He has spent the last ten years fighting the Police, the Scottish Criminal Records Office and the Scottish Executive after experts wrongly identified his daughter's fingerprint at a murder scene. He has researched fingerprinting extensively, spoken at forensic conferences in the UK, Canada and America and is recognised as a campaigner who has not only secured justice for his family but has also brought about major changes in the forensic services in Scotland and in fingerprinting world wide. Married with seven children, he now lives in Ayr. Michael Russell is a well-known author and commentator who was an MSP for the South of Scotland from 1999 to 2003. He met Iain and Shirley McKie in February 2000, was convinced by them, and agreed to take on Shirley's case as a parliamentarian. He has championed it in politics and the media ever since. He lives in Argyll.

I have read the book twice now and will read it again

Big Wullie · Joined: 25 Apr 2007 Posts: 1149 Location: Glasgow

Found this book very helpful many years ago

Awards 2008

http://www.theherald.co.uk/busine...ng_ovation_for_great_defender.php

Fiscal · Joined: 23 Dec 2008 Posts: 111 Location: Edinburgh

I absolutely agree with the Joe Beltrami book - he is an inspiration to me. His book, albeit outdated, conveys an unbiased view of the criminal justice system - especially in Glasgow. Joe is such a nice person to all who meet him and I am proud to know him.

Another good book - not so much about the justice system as such but about crime in Glasgow......Murder Capital by Reg McKay - especially the story titled "Dead Lonely" - the story about the horrific murder of Glasgow Procurator Fiscal Depute, Marshall Stormonth.
_________________
Mr Fiscal

wronglyaccused · Joined: 06 Jun 2009 Posts: 2

It is almost 7 years since Simon Hall (Case highlighted in the thread's first suggested book) was wrongly imprisoned. Simon was remanded on the 27 July 2002 and subsequently convicted, 7 years on a demonstration is being held campaigning for his release.

On the 24th July at 10am, there will be a peaceful protest held outside the Royal Courts of Justice campaigning for the release of Simon Hall. Simon was arrested and remanded in custody in 2002 and subsequently convicted in 2003 following a court case which remains controversial to this day. He continues to protest his innocence and has the ongoing support of the Bristol University's innocence project along with many other well known organisations.

The presumption that black nylon fibres used to convict him are so rare that there are only 50 producers worldwide resulting in the fibre in question being so unique as to only be found on 1 particular garment is among the flawed evidence. For that reason if anyone who wishes to attend in support of Simon's case could bring something made from Cordura (Nylon 66) or wear something with black nylon material it would be symbolic and very much appreciated.

For further information, please visit Simon's official website at his official website, Justice 4 Simon

This site is one which we are hosting in support on behalf of Simon Hall himself.
_________________
Billy Middleton along with Sandra Lean head up www.wronglyaccusedperson.org.uk

scotkaz · Joined: 28 Aug 2008 Posts: 526

http://www.bobturney.com/

From Ex-con to Probation Officer
A story of hope
Bob's story of achievement from adversity gives hope and inspiration to everyone who hears it.
Delivered with humour and charm, Bob demonstrates an amazing capacity to get his audience laughing and crying at the same time.

Bob's autobiography, "I'm still Standing", has received endorsements from many leading figures in the penal reform world:

"I'm Still Standing is a marvellous book, spun by an excellent storyteller and conveying a real life background, which cannot be fudged. It is both a case study and a beacon of hope for many"
(Bryan Gibson, Barrister).

"This is a remarkable book by a remarkable man."
(Earl of Longford KG, PC.)

Bob has also written "Going Straight" with prison rights campaigner and author Angela Devlin. Launched at Wandsworth Prison in May1999, "Going Straight" is now a core textbook for the BA in Community Justice Studies at the University of Birmingham.

He continues to contribute articles to newspapers and criminal justice periodicals.

For details on how to buy these books see the website above.

hard done by · Joined: 27 Apr 2009 Posts: 8

Hey folks,

Can I recommend an amazing book.

'A Fair Cop'.

Story of a cop jailed for an assault he was supposed to have committed whilst on duty. I'll not spoil it but what an injustice!!!

His website gives you a taster. www.afaircop.co.uk

Cheers

Wordsworth · Joined: 01 Nov 2009 Posts: 1

Hello

I hope you do not mind me posting on here, I thought this was the most likely place to post my request.

I am doing some research on Hanging in Scotland, and have become particularly interested in the case of Susan Newell, who was the last woman in Scotland to be hanged.

There are a few news articles on the case but I have noticed that some research has been done on this case but cannot access it.

I know I may be barking up the wrong tree asking on here about this, but is anyone a member of this site?

http://www.newcriminologist.com/article.asp?nid=813

Who could possibly access the article and send it to me via Private Message? Or if anyone has any information on this old case I would also appreciate it too.

Thank you so much. I truly appreciate any help on this.

allan mcleod · Joined: 10 Jun 2007 Posts: 157

This book just released may be of interest to readers of this forum.

It includes amongst other cases, the mysterious death of my nephew Kevin Mcleod who was found in Wick harbour on Sunday 9th February 1997.

http://www.blackandwhitepublishin...books/book.php?isbn=9781845022501