Richard McIIkenny

The Birmingham Six (Paddy Hill, Gerry Hunter, Hugh Walker, Billy Power, and Richard McIlkenny) were convicted of the murders of 21 people in two pub bombings. During police interviews Power, McIlkenny, Walker, and Callaghan made written confessions, and Hunter and Hill were alleged to have made oral confessions. At trial this confession evidence was introduced, along with forensic evidence to suggest that Power and Hill had been in contact with nitroglycerine (an explosive). Circumstantial evidence, including evidence from independent witnesses was also introduced. The convictions were quashed on appeal, when fresh evidence called into doubt both the confessions and the forensic evidence. The Court of Appeal stated that in light of fresh scientific evidence the convictions were both unsafe and unsatisfactory.

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