Ronald Brown

Years in prison:
18
Year of crime:
1979
Year conviction was overturned:
2001

Ronald Brown was convicted of three counts of robbery, one count of attempted robbery, one count of assault with intent to rob, and offences of burglary and possessing a firearm without a certificate. The majority of the evidence against Brown (and his brother) came from a participating “supergrass” witness who had already pleaded guilty. The supergrass provided an eyewitness account and also evidence of admissions. Brown gave evidence at trial and denied any involvement. On appeal, evidence showed that police officers involved in the investigation had been discredited and that evidence of “supergrass” witnesses was tainted by reason of close contact with officers who could no longer be regarded as credible. On this basis Brown”s appeal, and related appeals of other applicants, were allowed.

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  • Offence: Robbery / burglary
  • Jurisdiction: England & Wales
  • County: West Midlands 
  • Ethnicity: White
  • Gender: M
  • Years in prison: 18
  • Offence convicted of: Robbery
  • Year of crime: 1979
  • Year of initial conviction: 1983
  • Year conviction was overturned: 2001
  • Age when imprisoned: Unknown
  • CCRC Referral: Y
  • Tried with others: Y
  • Link to full case: https://www.casemine.com/judgement/uk/5a8ff7b460d03e7f57eb15ee
  • Type of fresh evidence at appeal: Evidence casting doubt on the integrity of police, Evidence relating to the reliability of witness testimony
  • Compensation: Unknown
  • Crown argued case at CofA: Yes
  • Retrial: No
  • Previous appeals: Home secretary refused to refer the case in 1987