The Issue

In 1987, myself along with Darren Hall and Ellis Sherwood were known as The Cardiff Newsagent Three, and were wrongfully imprisoned for a crime we did not commit. After nearly 12 years in prison, we were able to prove our innocence in 1999. Although we received compensation for this grave miscarriage of justice, £37.500 was deducted from each of our awards to cover the cost of our 'bed and board' during our unjust imprisonment.

In the wake of Andy Malkinson's conviction being quashed in 2023, Alex Chalk KC MP from The Ministry of Justice stated that such charges would be stopped. He also mentioned considering reimbursing those who have already been charged this deduction.

Paul Blackburn also wrongly convicted:

This is not just about us three; it's about every individual who has been wrongfully convicted and then charged for their stay in prison - a place they should never have been in the first place. It is estimated that hundreds could be affected by this policy (source: Innocence Project). This practice adds insult to injury for victims of wrongful convictions and must be addressed immediately. Paul Blackburn who did 25 years for a crime he was later proved innocent of was charged £100.000 for his bed and board and we are jointly taking the government to court over this outrageous charge.

We have now been refused legal aid to challenge this unjust decision and aim to raise the funds to cover our legal costs. They do not charge guilty people for being rightly being imprisoned only innocent miscarriages of justice victims.

our petition has 57.000 signatures on Change.org and urge you to sign the petition 

A small amount of the money will be used to get  a banner and leaflets printed up for the campaign which comes to £150.00 all other monies will go to lawyers for legal fees.

We hope you will help in any way you  can by donating and signing our petition.

yours in struggle  Michael O'Brien and Paul Blackburn no justice no peace.