Martin Young

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This case centred on criminal damage when a brick was thrown through the window of a house. Police officers alleged that Mr Young had admitted committing the offences that he was accused of. He denied making any admissions. At trial, the prosecution relied on these alleged admissions, evidence that Mr Young hated the family whose home had been damaged, and identification evidence from one member of that family who said she had seen Mr Young walking away from the house after the brick had been thrown (she said she recognised him as he was standing under a street light but only got a brief glimpse and he was about 300 yards away).

The conviction was overturned on appeal on the basis of potential fabrication of the confession that had not been investigated, the fact Mr Young had been refused access to a solicitor, issues with the obtaining of a search warrant, and photographic evidence showing that the witness could not have seen Mr Young as she claimed to have (the line of site from her window to under the lamp post was blocked).

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