• 28 minutes 24 seconds
    "I'm innocent, I'm innocent, I'm innocent" - The story of Winston Trew and the Oval four (Part II, Feat. Stephen Simmons & Jenny Wiltshire)

    It took 47 years to overturn the convictions of Winston Trew and the Oval 4. When the illegal activities of corrupt cop, DS Derek Ridgewell, were presented to the Court of Appeal, Winston's conviction was ruled unsafe. This case shines a light on not only the wrongful actions of one police officer, but also on a wider systemic failure to right those wrongs. This is part 2 of 2 which features Stephen Simmons and Jenny Wiltshire. 

    13 July 2020, 3:00 am
  • 16 minutes 38 seconds
    "I felt my face getting tight and I could hardly breathe" - The story of Winston Trew and the Oval four (Part I)

    On the 16th of March, 1972, Winston Trew, Sterling Christie, George Griffiths and Omar Boucher were heading home from a 'Fasimbas' meeting with the Black Liberation Front. Spirits were high, but when they arrived into Oval tube station, they were apprehended by a group of white men claiming to be police. Except no IDs were shown. A fight ensued, before the four men were framed for crimes that didn't happen and sentenced to two years in prison. Winston Trew tells Un:Just about that fateful day, which was just the prelude to a near fifty year fight for justice. 

    26 June 2020, 12:58 am
  • 19 minutes 39 seconds
    "The concept of redemption is extremely important" - What's happening with Parole? (Feat. CEO Martin Jones)

    For the most part, the inner workings of the parole board go under the radar in discussions around current affairs. When we do hear about it, it's usually because a decision has been made to release a criminal who's committed the most abhorrent crimes. The controversy surrounding the 2018 decision to release John Warboys (AKA "the black cab rapist") usually springs to mind. How have things changed since then? And how has Covid-19 affected proceedings? Aqsa Hussein speaks to CEO of the parole board, Martin Jones, and prison lawyers to find the answers. 

    29 May 2020, 12:01 am
  • 26 minutes 48 seconds
    "Like Amazon warehouses, treating people like cardboard boxes" - Prisons during a pandemic, an international view

    Different jurisdictions worldwide are grappling to prevent massive outbreaks of Covid-19 in prisons. The UK has, thus far, maintained low death rate inside, but at what cost? Frances Crook, CEO of the Howard League for Penal Reform, says it's because prisoners are being locked up for at least 23 hours a day. How sustainable is this approach? In this episode, you'll hear from different jurisdictions in how they are coping. Are early release schemes the answer? 

    18 May 2020, 3:00 am
  • 25 minutes 18 seconds
    "Prison began when I walked out those gates" - Lady Unchained, her story and poetry

    In this episode, you'll hear the inspiring poet Brenda Birungi, better known as the Lady Unchained, tell her story through her poetry and a conversation over the phone with me. She is the founder of Unchained Poetry, an artist platform for people with lived experience of the justice system. Unchained seeks to provide an alternative path to ex-offenders within a system where that support is lacking.

    Visit thejusticegap.com

    24 April 2020, 3:00 am
  • 12 minutes 41 seconds
    "Scrubbing floors and a lot of crying" - A prisoner's guide to self-isolation

    Solitary confinement: "I wouldn't wish it upon anyone". We are all coming to terms with the peculiar new reality that is the lockdown. But how does our current situation compare with spending 24 hours a day locked up in a tiny, stuffy cell without any means for communication? I spoke to two men who know all too well. Patrick Maguire, of the Maguire 7, and Lee Cutter both spent time in solitary confinement before turning to art. 

    Visit thejusticegap.com

    11 April 2020, 3:00 am
  • 18 minutes 16 seconds
    "The perfect petri dish" - Prisons and Coronavirus (Feat. John Podmore, Sally Halsall, Charlotte Henry and more)

    The unparalleled coronavirus pandemic is causing health, economic and social chaos worldwide. But what does it mean for prisons and prisoners? The prison population is ageing with generally poorer physical and mental health. If it were to rip through the prison system, it could wreak havoc. I spoke with Former HMP Brixton Governor and prisons expert, John Podmore, and those with loved ones inside to get a glimpse of what could happen. 

    Visit thejusticegap.com

    2 April 2020, 2:00 am
  • 20 minutes 56 seconds
    Interview: Justin Brooks, director of the California Innocence Project

    Justin Brooks is the director and co-founder of the California Innocence Project, a non-profit organisation based in San Diego, which provides pro bono legal services to individuals maintaining their innocence. In its 20 year history, they have successfully freed 30 innocent individuals, including Brian Banks, whose story has been made into a Hollywood film. Brooks, played by Greg Kinnear, joined me for a conversation about his and CIP's work, and where it all began. 

    18 September 2019, 5:33 pm
  • 40 minutes 29 seconds
    Pilot: Clearly not Disclosable (Liam Allan, Michael O'Brien, Julia Smart and others)

    Pilot episode where we look into the most pressing issue of our time - Disclosure. To help me understand this crisis better, I spoke with Michael O'Brien, who wrongfully served over 11 years in prison for murder and Liam Allan himself. I was also joined by his lawyer and 2018's Barrister of the Year, Julia Smart. Maya Chopra gave me an insight into the crisis at magistrates Court, and Danielle Reece-Greenhalgh spoke with me about the possible ways forward.

    26 September 2018, 4:00 pm
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