Errol Campbell: Man cleared posthumously over south London theft conviction by corrupt officer

Errol Campbell's name was cleared posthumously by the Court of Appeal, where his theft and conspiracy convictions from 1977 were quashed. The convictions arose from a corrupt police investigation led by DS Ridgewell, who later pleaded guilty to similar crimes. Despite Campbell's unsuccessful appeal in 1978, recent findings by the Criminal Cases Review Commission indicated a likelihood of wrongful conviction. His son worked with charity APPEAL to seek justice, ultimately leading to this decision aimed at restoring dignity to Campbell’s memory and providing solace to his family.

Lord Justice Holroyde expressed regret over the inability to undo Mr Campbell's suffering but stated that the court would allow the appeal, quashing the conviction.

The appeal was supported by the Crown Prosecution Service, and the Criminal Cases Review Commission found a real possibility of a miscarriage of justice.

Henry Blaxland KC highlighted that the case exemplifies victims of miscarriage of justice caused by state crime, affecting confidence in both police and the legal system.

Mr Campbell's conviction, resulting from corrupt police evidence, has had an incalculable effect, underscoring serious flaws in the justice administration.

Read at www.standard.co.uk