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

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.

A HEAVY police presence was seen at Withybush Hospital last week following concerns about a man’s behaviour.

An eyewitness reported seeing three police vans arrive at speed, with what appeared to be armed officers entering the building.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that officers were called to the hospital on Thursday evening (March 13) due to concerns over a man’s behaviour.

A police spokesperson said: “Police attended and the matter was resolved with no further police action required.”

SIX residents from the Furzy Park area of Haverfordwest have written to housing association ATEB, demanding action over persistent antisocial behaviour at an address in Caradoc Place.

Following a disturbance on Tuesday evening (Mar 11), police attended the property and arrested the woman living there. Witnesses described chaotic scenes, with all the neighbours coming out of their homes as the incident unfolded. Footage of the arrest shows the woman shouting and swearing as officers placed her in a police van.

At a meeting with a Herald reporter on Wednesday (Mar 12), several residents expressed their frustration, with emotions running high.

Yana Gencheva, who lives close by in Delapoer Drive, was visibly distressed as she spoke about the impact on her family. She explained that her daughter, who has autism, struggles to cope with the frequent disturbances.

“I don’t know where to turn,” she said. “I am living in a nightmare.”

Ms. Gencheva, a former door supervisor, said she considered herself a strong person but admitted she was at her wits’ end. “I am tough, but I cannot deal with this—especially as I am worried for my daughter.”

The concerns extend beyond immediate neighbours. Jan Davies, who also lives in Caradoc Place, described the toll the ongoing situation has taken on her.

“I have had ten years of abuse from those living next door. Its currently impossible to live in Caradoc Place,” she wrote in a letter to ATEB. “They have had to have police protection and victim support.”

Ms. Davies said she is now suffering from serious health issues due to stress caused by the disturbances.

“This street was once a lovely and happy neighbourhood, with young people feeling safe to go out and play. This is no longer the case due to so many incidents in regards to the adults who live in that house,” she said.

She also alleged that she and her husband had been threatened, and that the occupants of the property in question had made threats to kill their dog.

“We should be enjoying retirement, not living in fear in their own home,” she added.

Residents say they have repeatedly reported issues to ATEB and the police, but claim the situation is only getting worse.

Partner of arrested woman facing serious charges

It has now emerged that the woman’s partner is currently in custody facing multiple charges.

The 37-year-old man was remanded following a hearing at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 10), where he was charged with several serious offences, including assault, intentional strangulation, and controlling or coercive behaviour.

He is accused of assaulting his partner, causing actual bodily harm, on March 8 in Haverfordwest. He also faces charges of intentional strangulation under the Serious Crime Act 2015, alleged to have taken place on February 8 and February 22. Additionally, the defendant is charged with engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour between December 1, 2023, and March 9, 2025, allegedly restricting the victim’s social life, controlling money and property, and making threats.

A further charge relates to the male allegedly sending a communication on March 8 that conveyed a threat of death, contrary to Section 181 of the Online Safety Act 2023.

Magistrates determined that the case was too serious to be dealt with at their level and sent Vaughan to Swansea Crown Court for trial. He was remanded in custody due to concerns he may commit further offences or interfere with witnesses.

The case will be heard at Swansea Crown Court on April 11 at 9:00am for a plea and trial preparation hearing. The custody time limit expires on September 8, 2025.

The Herald has contacted ATEB for comment on the ongoing chaos in what would otherwise be a nice part of Haverfordwest to live in.