Calls for easier compensation for wrongful conviction victims

Brian Buckle has been declared innocent after spending five years in prison for crimes he did not commit. He fought a long legal battle which culminated in a retrial in 2022, where he was found not guilty. Despite this, his application for compensation was rejected by the Ministry of Justice. They agreed he was innocent but said he could not prove it "beyond a reasonable doubt." Brian’s legal fees amounted to £500,000, which is the same amount he could apply for in compensation. He feels devastated after receiving the rejection letter, which came nearly a year after he submitted his application. Brian has lost his job, pension, and five years of his life. He questions what more evidence he needs to prove his innocence. The Ministry of Justice stated that it recognizes the severe impact of miscarriages of justice. However, since a law change in 2014, victims must prove their innocence to receive compensation, making it very difficult for many to succeed. Legal experts argue that the system is unfair, noting that about 93% of compensation applications have been rejected since 2016. Calls are increasing to revert the 2014 law so that victims only have to show they experienced a miscarriage of justice to receive compensation. This is similar to laws in other parts of the UK and Europe. The Law Commission is reviewing these issues and may propose a change to lessen the burden of proof for claimants. Brian now has support from his local MP, Ben Lake, who agrees that victims should be compensated for wrongful imprisonment. Brian's case has also affected his family deeply, with his daughter suffering emotional distress during his time in prison. He hopes for changes in the justice system, as well as an acknowledgment of the mistakes made against him.