Fao Bigbad, Regarding The Karl Bridgewater Case

[mikey4444]

When we were discussing this miscarriage of justice a few weeks ago, you recommended that I read Paul Foots book on the subject. I finished the book last night.

[mikey4444]

I found the book to be a marvellous work of investigative journalism. He successfully proved that the Bridgewater Four did not and could not murder Karl. Without his efforts and that of Ann Whelan, William Hickeys mother, the four would still be languishing in prison.

Foot successfully makes a case against the Police, for their part in the prosecution. Their fabrication of evidence played a major part in the wrongful conviction.

As far as Bert Spencer is concerned, he also makes a case for a further investigation to be made by the Police. What a pity that Foot didn't live long enough to see the latest events against the distinctly creepy Spencer !

[mikey4444]

I forgot to add....not a shred of forensic evidence was ever found to incriminate the Bridgewater Four.....not one bit.

[Lynn_M]

Ah, those lovable rogues the Bridgewater Four. I remember reading about them some time ago. I particularly remember one phrase describing two of the gang:

"They burgled their way throughout the 1970's"

Didn't all four of them commit some sort of raid together that they readily admitted to?

Paul Foot made money writing a book about them. Otherwise, they weren't worth anybody's time or taxpayer's money in compo

[Peter Pedant]

this was at a time that confessions and convictions due only to confession were riding high in the public imagination

the landscape is different

( and was never like that in Scots criminal law where a confession alone could not form the basis of a conviction )

[ and I was completely taken in at the time
I believed all the confessions
bit of a shock to be disabused
as Lord Denning said - "but if they let one out they will have to let them all out !"

whereas the Lord Chief Justice Peter Taylor commented when asked if he regretted imprisoning innocent men for 15-20 y - "it is not my fault if the police choose to lie to me" ]

[vetuste_ennemi]

I know nothing about this case, but I do recall Mr. Foot's having written a book "proving" that Hanratty was innocent of the murder and rape on the A6.

[mikey4444]

I suggest that all you deniers read the book, and then argue from a point of better knowledge and understanding, rather than " I have made my mind up, now don't confuse with any facts"

I repeat that without the fraud committed by the Police, there was no evidence that the Bridgewater Four committed murder.

And Bert Spencer is far from innocent in this case.

[Bigbad]

Glad you found the book interesting, Mikey.

For me, it’s the little things that when you put them together, turn into big things:

The DPP not allowing the defence to see certain witness statements - ‘In the interests of justice.’

Witness statements from people who were at the garage on the afternoon of the murder (the Hickey cousins alibi) being kept from the defence.

The police not checking with the staff at the greengrocers shop (re: the flowers) until 10 months later.

Witness Helen Johnston contradicting herself and (at a later date) admitting she had lied.

The strategically placed cardboard message, that was found bone dry in the pouring rain!

I don’t know if Brian & Janet Bridgewater (Carl’s parents) are still alive, but he had siblings, so maybe they will see justice for their brother.

[mikey4444]

Lets hope so Bigbad !

I tried to watch that Ch4 documentary again last week, but had to stop after a while, as Spencer was starting to frighten me....those eyes of his were pure evil.....creepy doesn't even begin to do them justice.