The Dark Side
After several months of intensive work, I have finally finished writing The Dark Side. It has been the most difficult journey of my life taking me back to heart of my trial and the absurd direction it took. There have been several occasions when I thought of giving up, but the investigation I conducted into my case has meant that the Criminal Cases Review Commission is now considering an application so I can finally get to the Court of Appeal. This centres around several pieces of new evidence that cast doubt over the safety of my conviction in their own right, and also show that the judge’s summing amounted to a misdirection. I have finally managed to overcome the unforgivable barriers of the Criminal Appeal Act 1995 and hope that my conviction will be set aside not only for being unsafe but also because I have proved that I am not guilty of assaulting my assailant back in 1997 as I tried to arrest him.
Now let the editing begin…….
Hi Michael
Just read your book, thoroughly enjoyed it, good luck at the Court of Appeal, I am sure they won’t mess up again as they clearly did at your trial. Not to mention the lack of support by West Yorkshire Police senior management.
Look forward to your new book ‘The Dark Side’
Kind regards and all the best to you and your family.
Dave Roberts
Posted by Dave Roberts | February 27, 2012 5:17 pmHi Michael
I have just finished reading your book and am flabbergasted with how you have been treated. It amazes me how you can give your heart and soul to the police force and this is how they repay you – disgusting.
I would like to wish you all the best for your appeal, surely there is only one out come?
Look forward to reading your new book ‘The Dark Side’.
Regards
SW
Posted by SW | March 4, 2012 8:53 pmHi Michael,
Keep up the fight and I am sure you will be successful. You deserve it.
Look forward to reading ‘The Dark Side’.
Is there a timescale of when it will be avaiable?
Regards,
Graham
Posted by Graham | March 9, 2012 2:24 pmHi Graham
Thank you very much for your supportive post.
I am in the process of editing the manuscript now and hope that it will be in good enough shape to submit to my publisher by the end of March / early April. Once I am at that stage, I can post updates as I get them. The book is written, though, so the tough bit is done!
Posted by Michael | March 9, 2012 2:52 pmThanks again.
Hello Michael,
Posted by Alan | March 10, 2012 8:42 pmI finished reading your book at 6-30am this morning. I coudn’t put it down. After serving 33 years in the Met I think I felt every punch that you took. What a miscarriage of justice and I only hoope that your conviction is overturned so that you can hold your head up high again.
My young son fell foul of South Yorkshire Police in Sheffield when he was knocked off his bike on way to University. Although two officers visited him in hospital, none of them reported the accident, none of them breathalised the offending driver, none of them gave my son the details of the driver, and they told me that I would have to take action against the driver as their force did not do it. Needless to say I put in an official complaint against the two officers who then both had to personally apologise to my son and I for their neglect. It took several months to achieve this but we had the satisfaction in spite of PSD.
Good luck to you Michael, we are all behind you.
Hi Michael,
Posted by Phil | March 11, 2012 10:47 pmJust finished your book, and felt your pain all the way through. The way you were treated was a total disgrace. I hope you’ve found some peace of mind from the public you deserve it! I will keep an eye out for your new book. Best wishes…
Michael,
Just finished reading your book. Couldn’t put it down. I once found myself in a similar position, but the judge was evidently more aware of the law and I was found ‘Not Guilty’. I kept my job and completed my 30 years. I empathise with your story and thank God that I was not put through the same wringer.
Posted by Gibson Hand | March 21, 2012 7:21 pmGood luck with your career and with the new book, which I intend to read at the earliest oportunity.
Michael,
Posted by Steve Joanes | April 4, 2012 3:46 pmI half expected to receive a total miscarriage of justice in a 3rd world country like Spain when I was accused of assault although I did nothing yet received a suspended despite witnesses and an appeal, but what you went through in this country is just ‘unbelievable’. I did over 20 years in the police and I really really feel for you and your family. I am on the list for your next book and will follow your future as long as you report it.
Steve Joanes
Michael,
My Mum was at a talk you gave recently and she has today relaid to me an emotional account of your story – we are both frankly astounded at your experiences. My Mum purchased your book and I am desperate to start reading it. I have a great interest in the law and several years ago researched and produced an essay on miscarriages of justice. I will be following your journey and wish you all the best with your appeal.
Kind regards
Posted by Rachel | April 6, 2012 6:08 pmRachel
Today I finished reading your book and it left me feeling deeply frustrated and now your blog has made me livid and yet I am compelled to thank you for speaking truth and creating this forum.
I am a serving police officer who after being in the job for only 5 years has contemplated throwing in the towel. However, I know I am still up for a few more rounds of fighting the ignorant naivety of the law abiding citizen, the contempt from condescending politicians, venomous hatred from some criminals, an ineffective, unfair, corrupt penal system and my own disillusionment. Your book exposes all these enemies and more, it is a wake up call!
As I go to work today, I am even more mindful of the greatest danger I face. If I get involved in a brawl do I use reasonable, proportionate and justified force or get a kicking? Am I right to be scared or have things improved since the kangaroo court you faced? Should my confidence in the legal system be restored in the light of the self defence provisions of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008? These are not rhetorical questions I ask them because I value your opinion.
I have so much more I could say and questions that I would love to ask you but I will refrain from going on a rant. Until next time, I will watch your progress with interest. Again, sincere thanks for your honesty and courage, in telling your story.
Robert
Posted by Robert | May 19, 2012 10:04 am