George Griffiths

Years in prison:
0.6
Year of crime:
1972
Year conviction was overturned:
2019

Winston Trew, Sterling Christie, George Griffiths, and Constantine Boucher (the Oval Four) were arrested on suspicion of stealing passengers handbags on the London underground. According to the police, the men confessed. The police also gave evidence. The jury adquitted on counts that relied excessively on alleged confessions but convicted where the police gave direct evidence. On appeal, evidence suggested that officers involved in the case were corrupt, and the evidence from the police was discredited. On that basis, the convictions were quashed.

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  • Offence: Manslaughter / non-fatal offence against the person
  • Jurisdiction: England & Wales
  • County: Greater London 
  • Ethnicity: Black
  • Years in prison: 0.6
  • Offence convicted of: Assaulting Police Officers, Attempted Theft
  • Year of crime: 1972
  • Year of initial conviction: 1972
  • Year conviction was overturned: 2019
  • Age when imprisoned: 19
  • CCRC Referral: Y
  • Tried with others: Y
  • Link to full case: Not available
  • Type of fresh evidence at appeal: Evidence casting doubt on the integrity of police
  • Compensation: Unknown
  • Crown argued case at CofA: No
  • Retrial: Unknown
  • Previous appeals: Reduced sentence on appeal