the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) regarding new evidence he submitted to overturn his murder conviction. The only witness to the murder of Robert Darby, who admitted to being drunk and unsure of his identification, is yet to be interviewed by the CCRC, causing notable delays.
The Right Reverend Dr. Joanne Grenfell, Bishop of Stepney, took matters into her own hands, finding the witness, Abdul Ahmed, at home after simply knocking on his door. She expressed serious concerns about the CCRC’s ability to deliver justice for Moore, who has been in prison for 12 years for a crime he insists he did not commit.
Did you know?-The CCRC is an independent body responsible for reviewing possible miscarriages of justice in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It can refer cases back to the courts for appeal if it finds new evidence or argument.
“it wasn’t that difficult. I went in the morning and he was there,” said Bishop Grenfell, who is backing Moore’s campaign for freedom.
The Bishop noted, “It’s quite incredible that no one has been persistent in doing that. He clearly lives there and has lived there for quite a while.” She has since criticized the CCRC’s efforts to contact Mr. Ahmed, calling them “not good enough”. the CCRC is currently under “urgent review” by the justice secretary.
Reader question:-Should private citizens be required to step in when government agencies fail to perform their duties? What are the potential implications for the justice system?
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood recently appointed Dame Vera Baird as interim chair to conduct an urgent review of the CCRC. Karen Kneller, the chief executive, has admitted to only visiting the office “maybe one or two days every couple of months or so,” while earning a salary of £130,000.
MPs called for Kneller to step down last month. Chris Henley KC, who led an inquiry, said it was “absolutely shocking” that the investigators had failed to establish contact with Mr. Ahmed. He emphasized the need for “energetic, focused, and rigorous leadership.”
In a message from HMP Oakwood in Wolverhampton, Moore accused the CCRC’s leaders of treating “people’s lives like they are toys,” adding: “To keep people in prison when you have evidence that exonerates them is a form of evil that needs to be squashed.”
Moore’s sister, Kirstie, described the CCRC as “shambolic,” criticizing the series of excuses from the commissioner. “They are our last hope when justice fails,” she said. “Yet 18 months have passed, and the CCRC has nothing to show – no sign of a single effort, only a relentless succession of excuses. And still,Jason is the one paying the price for their weary resignation and neglect.”
Moore, a former professional gambler, 53, claims he was wrongly convicted in the 2005 stabbing of Robert Darby. High-profile figures, including Mr. Darby’s brother, Bishop Grenfell, and cricket legend Sir ian Botham, support Moore’s appeal.
lord Nicholas monson, a miscarriage of justice campaigner, stated that such apathy makes it appear the CCRC “doesn’t care.”
Andy Slaughter, chair of the parliamentary justice committee, welcomed the appointment of Dame vera to review the CCRC. A CCRC spokesperson stated that a review is underway and that they “have made repeated efforts to contact all relevant parties.”
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The CCRC’s Role in Miscarriage of Justice Cases
The case of Jason Moore, and the apparent failings of the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), highlights the crucial role this autonomous body plays in the UK justice system. The CCRC’s fundamental function is to investigate potential miscarriages of justice, and it can refer cases back to the courts for appeal if it finds new evidence or arguments [[1]].
However, as seen in Mr. Moore’s situation, the CCRC’s effectiveness is under scrutiny. The delay in interviewing the key witness,Abdul Ahmed,despite the availability of his contact details,raises serious questions about the commission’s efficiency and dedication to its core mandate.
What Does the CCRC Do?
The CCRC was established to provide a safeguard against wrongful convictions. It acts as a vital check on the existing legal system,re-examining cases where there are concerns about the safety of a conviction. Their main responsibilities include:
- Investigating potential miscarriages of justice: this involves gathering and reviewing evidence, including new information or arguments not presented at the original trial.
- Referring cases to the courts: If the CCRC identifies a reasonable possibility that a conviction is unsafe, it can refer the case to the Court of Appeal. This is the primary mechanism for overturning wrongful convictions.
- Acting independently: Even though funded by the government, the CCRC operates independently from both the police and the Crown Prosecution Service, ensuring impartiality in its investigations.
The CCRC reviews applications from individuals who believe they have been wrongly convicted or sentenced. It also considers cases referred by the Court of Appeal. To refer a case, the CCRC must believe that there is a “real possibility” that the conviction or sentence will be overturned by an appeal court.
The Impact of Delays and Inaction
The protracted nature of Jason Moore’s case, and the CCRC’s apparent inaction, have notable repercussions. *Delays erode public trust in the justice system, leaving those wrongly convicted in limbo for extended periods.*
The frustration felt by Moore, his family, and supporters is palpable. As Mr.Moore himself expressed, prolonged delays can feel like a deliberate disregard for the truth and the individuals impacted. His sister, Kirstie moore, aptly described the situation as “shambolic,” highlighting the distressing impact of CCRC inefficiencies on the lives of those seeking justice.
The Urgent Review and its Significance
The appointment of Dame Vera Baird as interim chair and the Justice Secretary’s call for an urgent review of the CCRC reflect the seriousness with which the government views the criticisms.*This review is critical to restoring public confidence in the CCRC’s ability to fulfill its function as a safeguard against miscarriages of justice.*
The review’s findings and any subsequent reforms will be crucial for the future of the CCRC, and potentially, for the fate of individuals like Jason Moore. The need for “energetic, focused, and rigorous leadership,” as emphasized by Chris Henley KC, is paramount to ensuring that the CCRC operates effectively and justly moving forward. The review will likely examine the CCRC’s interaction strategies, the effectiveness of gathering evidence, and staffing resources to ensure that the commission is operating efficiently.
What Happens Next?
The outcome of the urgent review will determine the future of the CCRC’s operations. If the review highlights significant failings, this could lead to:
- Changes in leadership: The leadership of the CCRC could be restructured, potentially leading to new appointments or changes in the roles of existing executives.
- Operational reforms: Processes for investigating cases might be revised to improve efficiency. More support or resources may be allocated to speed up investigations and contacts.
- Increased transparency: There could be plans for a more transparent approach to communicating with applicants and the public.
The independent body’s commitment to transparency and consistent
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