West Midlands OB take ex-MP to court in an effort to discover his sources which led to the acquittal of the Birmingham 6

[teqniq]

On the suggestion of danny la rouge I've given this it's own thread. Essentially what is says in the thread title:

I did a search for the Birmingham pub bombings and and found a closeish match and posted the link to the below article there. To cut to the chase this is fucking outrageous. West Midlands OB having been caught lying over this and with the convictions subsequently quashed are now going after this guy in court in an effort to reveal his sources which led to the Birmingham 6's acquittal. If they actually win it would have enormous implications, particularly for journalists. Cunts:

Chris Mullin facing courtroom fight with police to protect Birmingham pub bombings sources

Chris Mullin is facing a legal fight with West Midlands Police to protect confidential sources for his investigation into the Birmingham pub bombings.

pressgazette.co.uk

 

[equationgirl]

I grew up in the area and West Mercia OB had a disgraceful reputation in the lates 1970s/80s.

 

[two sheds]

I noticed that Prince Andrew included 'Unclean Hands' in his defence. I'd thought this was a purely US defence but apparently not - you'd think it applied here.

 

[kenny g]

I grew up in the area and West Mercia OB had a disgraceful reputation in the lates 1970s/80s.

Wouldn't that be West Midlands? West Mercia are Worcestershire etc and although ineffective were hardly as evil as the West Midlands were..

 

[kenny g]

Wouldn't that be West Midlands? West Mercia are Worcestershire etc and although ineffective were hardly as evil as the West Midlands were..

Although this is an interesting site.. UK Corrupt Police

 

[kenny g]

Man complains of police ‘bullying’ after mooning at speed camera they obviously have a sense of humour bypass as well..

 

[equationgirl]

Wouldn't that be West Midlands? West Mercia are Worcestershire etc and although ineffective were hardly as evil as the West Midlands were..

I know where I grew up. Both forces were known to be corrupt at the time.

 

[kenny g]

I know where I grew up. Both forces were known to be corrupt at the time

Never questioned that. So do I. Correct me if I am wrong but I thought West Mercia force had little to do with the Birmingham 6 case.

 

[equationgirl]

Never questioned that. So do I. Correct me if I am wrong but I thought West Mercia force had little to do with the Birmingham 6 case.

I never said they did, Kenny g. I said both forces were known to be corrupt at the time.

 

[teqniq]

Article in today's Graun with some background and ramifications:

British police are hounding a journalist for his sources – it’s vital he resists | Duncan Campbell

Chris Mullin’s exposure of the Birmingham Six’s wrongful conviction was only possible because he was able to protect his sources, says former Guardian crime correspondent Duncan Campbell

www.theguardian.com

 

[equationgirl]

That's just unbelievable. All because OB were shown to have fucked the investigation.

 

[bluescreen]

Another article about the court case. Mullin is sticking to his guns. Good man. The situation is outrageous.

A decision on the seeking of disclosure was reserved.

Journalist refuses to disclose source material in 1974 Birmingham pub bombings

Chris Mullin is challenging action by West Midlands police at Old Bailey to make him reveal source’s identity

www.theguardian.com

 

[DaveCinzano]

Court tells WMP to get fucked:

Birmingham pub bombings: court allows Chris Mullin to keep source secret

Historic case for press freedom as judge rules police cannot force journalist to identify man who confessed to role in attack

www.theguardian.com

“The journalism in issue was of the highest public interest value exposing serious failings on the part of the criminal justice system which resulted in the wrongful conviction and imprisonment of six innocent men.”

 

[DaveCinzano]

Mullin's perspective:

I had to keep my sources secret, or the Birmingham Six might still be in jail | Chris Mullin

My investigation was overwhelmingly in the public interest, says former MP Chris Mullin

www.theguardian.com

 

[JimW]

There ought to be some penalty for vexatious prosecution from whoever initiated the case.

 

[teqniq]

Chris Mullin himself writes about the hearing in LRB. Predictably scathing of West Midlands Police and some appeal court judges:

Chris Mullin · Diary: In Court, Again

Except in the unlikely event of the surviving culprits owning up, no one will ever be held to account for the Birmingham...

www.lrb.co.uk