Crime

Calls to amend payout rules for wrongly convicted

Published

1 year ago

March 19, 2025

A PEMBROKESHIRE man who spent five years behind bars for a crime he did not commit has been denied compensation under what legal experts describe as an “inhumane” and “cruel” government policy.

Brian Buckle, who was exonerated of all charges in 2023 after a gruelling legal battle, has spoken of his devastation upon receiving a rejection letter from the Ministry of Justice. The letter acknowledged his innocence but stated that he had failed to prove “beyond a reasonable doubt” that he had not committed the crimes.

The decision has reignited fierce debate over the 2014 law change that places the burden of proof on victims of wrongful conviction, a policy unique to England and Wales. Critics argue that the system is designed to minimise payouts, leaving innocent individuals without financial support to rebuild their lives after years of wrongful imprisonment.

FIVE YEARS BEHIND BARS FOR A CRIME HE DID NOT COMMIT

Mr Buckle was imprisoned in 2017 after being convicted of sexual offences he always denied. His case was finally overturned after a five-year fight that saw his legal team present new witnesses and fresh forensic evidence during a three-week retrial. A jury took just over an hour to return a unanimous “not guilty” verdict.

But despite being completely exonerated, Mr Buckle has been denied compensation for his ordeal. The legal fees required to clear his name totalled nearly £500,000, a sum he was eligible to claim in compensation. However, his application was refused on the grounds that he had not met the “beyond reasonable doubt” standard of proof that he did not commit the crimes — despite the courts ruling that he was innocent.

“I just burst out crying when I read the letter,” said Mr Buckle. “What more do I need to do to prove I’m innocent? I’ve lost five years of my life, my job, my pension. People are absolutely gobsmacked when I tell them I’ve been refused compensation.”

A LAW DESIGNED TO DENY PAYOUTS?

The 2014 law change, introduced by the Conservative-Lib Dem coalition government, shifted the burden onto the wrongly convicted to prove their innocence beyond reasonable doubt. Critics say this effectively “reverses the presumption of innocence” and was introduced to limit government compensation payments.

Since 2016, 93% of applications for miscarriage of justice compensation have been rejected, according to government figures. Leading barrister Stephen Vullo KC, who represented Mr Buckle, has described the system as “almost impossibly high” and “designed to ensure money is not paid out.”

“It’s not by accident, it’s by design,” he said. “It sends a message that the state doesn’t accept responsibility when it gets things wrong.”

The injustice of the current system has been further exposed by the government’s handling of the Post Office Horizon scandal. Unlike individual miscarriage of justice cases, which have been largely ignored, thousands of wrongfully convicted sub-postmasters were awarded compensation only after overwhelming public pressure, following the ITV drama “Mr Bates vs The Post Office.”

“The government’s response is driven by fear of embarrassment,” said Mr Vullo. “The system should be fair so that everybody receives compensation, not just those whose cases attract media attention.”

Legal experts argue that England and Wales must follow Scotland, Northern Ireland, and most of Europe, where wrongful conviction compensation is awarded based on the miscarriage of justice itself, without requiring proof of innocence.

LOCAL MP FIGHTS FOR JUSTICE

***MP Ben Lake is hosting a debate at Westminster in support of Brian (Image: Herald)***

Mr Buckle’s case has caught the attention of Ceredigion MP Ben Lake, who has vowed to fight for a change in the law. He is hosting a debate in Westminster to highlight the injustices faced by victims of wrongful conviction.

“I was appalled when I heard Brian’s story,” said Mr Lake. “Miscarriages of justice have always happened and always will. But when the state makes a mistake and an innocent person spends years behind bars, it should ensure they are compensated for that injustice.”

Mr Lake is pushing for the law to be reversed and made retrospective so that people like Mr Buckle can claim the compensation they deserve.

A FAMILY DEVASTATED BY INJUSTICE

The years spent in prison have left Mr Buckle suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the emotional toll has extended to his family. His daughter Georgia has spoken openly about her own struggles, including suicidal thoughts during her father’s imprisonment.

“I’m definitely not the same person I was before,” said Mr Buckle. “I can’t keep a job because my head is all over the place. Every single night, all I dream about is being in prison or trying to get out.”

He believes an apology and compensation would be a step towards recognising the harm done to him.

“I will take what happened to me to the grave. Money won’t change how I am mentally, but it’s about the principle — the justice system admitting they got it wrong.”

With pressure mounting and a Law Commission review of the compensation system underway, there is growing hope that the law may be overturned. For Mr Buckle and others like him, that change cannot come soon enough.

Crime

New pilot offers dedicated advocates for trafficking survivors

Published

6 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

National scheme aims to support hundreds of victims of modern slavery across the UK

MORE than 600 adult survivors of modern slavery are set to receive dedicated support through a new national pilot scheme providing accredited, independent advocates.

The initiative will see specially trained professionals working directly alongside survivors of human trafficking and exploitation, helping them navigate complex legal, social, and recovery processes.

While survivors of crimes such as domestic and sexual abuse already have access to specialist advocacy, no equivalent provision previously existed for victims of modern slavery—despite the often severe and long-term trauma they experience.

Over the next three years, 24 Independent Modern Slavery Advocates (IMSAs) will be deployed across the UK. Each advocate will complete a postgraduate qualification and receive support from a central hub hosted by anti-trafficking charity Hope for Justice.

Tim Nelson, CEO at Hope for Justice, said the pilot aims to tackle inequalities in support: “We want to end the postcode lottery that adult survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking are experiencing in the UK.

“There are many organisations already doing incredible work, but by working together and setting new standards, we can give survivors the best possible chance of rebuilding their lives.”

The scheme is backed by a £1 million National Lottery grant and involves several organisations, including Unseen UK, Medaille Trust, Bawso, SOHTIS, Hope for Justice, and the Snowdrop Project.

Since the pilot began six months ago, advocates have already supported 121 survivors, helping to secure housing, legal recognition, and access to vital services.

Key outcomes so far include:

Ten survivors provided with safe and secure housing
Seventeen Home Office decisions successfully challenged, granting victims access to support
Humanitarian protection secured for a young adult survivor

Advocates have also helped individuals access healthcare, mental health support, education, employment, and secure immigration status.

One survivor described the support as “life changing” after escaping a trafficker. In a letter to her advocate, she said: “You have fought our corner tirelessly when I did not have the strength. You stood beside us every step of the way.

“You helped me rebuild trust, believe in myself, and slowly find my voice again.”

The IMSA role aligns with international guidance on independent advocacy and has been shaped by experts and those with lived experience.

Louise Mensah, Head of Frontline at Unseen, said: “This pilot is a step towards a world without slavery. We are proud to be part of something that will improve outcomes and change futures.”

Ben Ryan, Deputy CEO at Medaille Trust, added: “We know the value of long-term support in recovery. This partnership allows us to embed best practice and develop new approaches.”

Organisations wishing to join the final phase of the pilot have until May 2026 to apply.

Further information is available at www.hopeforjustice.org/imsa/

Crime

Four deny murder of Caerphilly teenager

Published

9 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people have pleaded not guilty to the murder of a 17-year-old boy.

Ricardo Elliot, aged 27, Connor Palfrey, aged 24, Elexi Manny, aged 24, and Georgie Mears, aged 18, appeared before Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday (March 20), where each denied killing Tristan Shae Kerr.

Emergency services were called to a property in Abertridwr, Caerphilly, at around 5:45pm on Wednesday (Feb 5) following reports that a teenage boy had suffered serious injuries. Despite efforts, Tristan was pronounced dead at the scene.

The court heard that the teenager is alleged to have been attacked with a so-called “zombie knife” measuring approximately nine to ten inches in length.

During the hearing, the four defendants spoke only to confirm their personal details and enter their pleas.

A trial is due to begin on August 3 and is expected to last around six weeks. A further pre-trial review has been scheduled for July 24.

All four defendants were remanded in custody.

Paying tribute after his death, Tristan’s family described him as a “deeply loved son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.”

They said he was quick-witted, with a love for motorbikes and adventure, adding that he had a natural energy that lit up every room and drew people towards him.

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

1 day ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.