10.08.1995

Campbell stitch-up

OLIVER CAMPBELL was convicted of murder and conspiracy to rob, and given a life sentence on December 10 1991. Friends of Oliver have organised the Justice for Oliver Campbell Campaign, believing it to be one of the most appalling miscarriages of justice in recent times.

A Hackney shopkeeper was shot dead in July 1990. There were a number of witnesses who specifically mentioned that the gunman was wearing a black ‘British Knights’ baseball hat. Oliver had bought such a hat, though he says it was later stolen.

He was harangued in a number of police interviews - mostly without a solicitor present, despite the fact that he has severe learning difficulties. Eventually Oliver is alleged to have confessed.

In an ID parade key witnesses failed to pick him out. Descriptions put the man at between 5’8” and 5’10” and in his 30s. Oliver is 6’4” and 19. Forensic evidence showed that hair found in the baseball hat was not Oliver’s.

Despite the lessons of the Tottenham 3 and the Cardiff 3, Oliver’s ‘confession’ was, quite unbelievably, ruled admissible.

Linda Addison