Of justice that policing forever
convictions were quashed and Colin, Ronnie and Ahmed were told they were cleared of all charges. “Everyone was ecstatic and jubilant,” told Gary. “Colin was in shock.”
It became one of the first real miscarriages of justice to be exposed.
One month after the appeal, the Henry Fisher inquiry was announced.
It found aggression was used by police towards the youngsters. One allegedly got hit with a rolled up newspaper.
It criticised the police, saying the interviews should have been done in presence of parents.
It also concluded that interviews were oppressive and recommended there should be reform at the way suspects are treated at police stations.
But in a new blow it stated the trio were responsible for the fire and that Ronnie and Ahmed had killed Maxwell.
“I feel very angry because of what they did, how they fitted up my brother for something he didn’t do,” said Gary. “I still carry that anger because it changed everybody’s life. Colin came out of prison and struggled with life in general. It troubled him and ruined his life.”
New evidence emerged in 1980 that finally exonerated them. An inmate was overhead discussing murder in prison. He and the accomplice blamed each other so neither could be prosecuted. But the three boys’ names could be cleared.
Dubbed one of the most serious miscarriages of justice, it sparked a giant overhaul. The Police and Criminal Evidence Bill came in 1984, transforming the interrogation room and our rights. Maxwell’s real killer was never convicted.
“A change in the law was a massive thing,” Gary added. “We were very happy about the because it can’t happen any more. Another family can’t go through what we went through.”
Catching Britain’s Killers: The Crimes That Changed Us is on BBC Two on Wednesday at 9pm.
They fitted up my brother for something he didn’t do and I still carry that anger
GARY, COLIN LATTIMORE’S BROTHER ON LIFE AFTER THE CASE