i may be naive but how exactly do cases get convictions without evidence?

[Rights Fighter]

No you don't sound silly.

Some people assume that because there is no evidence apart from the word of the complainant and what he or she told other people, no DNA or forensics no injuries.......that nothing will happen and they do not prepare for the worst. On occasion when the worst happens is when the suspect can drop to an almighty low because he has not prepared himself for that.

I have visited guys in prison who did not expect to get charged, they were. They did not expect to get convicted so did not tell anybody what was happening to them, believing that the jury would see through the lies - they've been convicted and any helpful evidence their family or friends might have been able to give had they known about it, is not admissible at appeal.

That's it. Case closed. Somebody in prison labelled a rapist or worse, a paedophile for the rest of their lives - because they did not prepare.

[JamieG]

That's terrible.

I think though that we must encourage everyone to be positive when on bail if they have little evidence.

I know the saying prepare for the worst but in hindsight I just don't want anyone dropping as far as I did.

Do I sound silly saying that RF?

I just want people's wellbeing to be looked after

[Rights Fighter]

My sol told me, no witnesses, no DNA, silly sounding story, how can it?

He was right.

He was right in your case. I've been dealing with appeals where there were no witnesses, no DNA and very silly sounding stories.....some out-loud laughable if it wasn't so tragic that the stupid jury still came to a finding of guilt.

[JamieG]

Convictions without evidence.

Although throughout my questioning I constantly protested my innocence and my sol kepts reassuring me that this wouldn't go any further I always had in the back of my mind it would because from what I have read from here so many cases do go to court without evidence.

When I got my NFA nobody told me "I told you so" and common sense always said how can they convict someone just because of a story from no evidence.

My sol told me, no witnesses, no DNA, silly sounding story, how can it?

He was right.

The CPS do take ages to make the decision, it is a killer and your mind can't help but think the worst.

Just some thoughts on this, they may help people, they may not, but this is my experience.

[Bigsister]

I am completely & utterly hooked on this at the moment, & am nowhere near watching it all, it's a few years old, but it's very interesting. Miscarriages of justice meeting...
Sandra Lean, author of No smoke is in the first clip. She's very pretty too!..
from 26:22 in part 1...
http://info.wronglyaccusedperson.org...-2007-meeting/

[psychotic]

i guess it was good to get the lawyer involved first

i understand how u guys feel... i know it must suck that it has gone all the way through court and got "convicted" and people started to judge u... a few good friends of mine so far right now are telling me to stay positive... positive energy will attract positive outcomes... i don't know how that can help u guys but i just want to stay positive for as long as i can... this coming from a special lady that has really given me a lot of support lately =)

[Bigsister]

That's exactly the point. When someone is described as a "convicted" anything, everyone takes it as read that they are guilty.
It's impossible to change the mindset of the majority on that unless and until they've seen it from the other side.

Which is a shame isn't it. But I guess we all thought that way at one point.
It's only lately I have heard about the amount of people that plead guilty to get a lesser sentence. Then of course that goes in the newspaper that they pleaded guilty, so they were definitely guilty.
The awful thing is it can end up happening to anyone. Just being in the wrong place at the wrong time, can change your life forever.

[LS]

It's just easier to say well the police & court said they did it, so obviously they must have..

That's exactly the point. When someone is described as a "convicted" anything, everyone takes it as read that they are guilty.
It's impossible to change the mindset of the majority on that unless and until they've seen it from the other side.

[Bigsister]

well social networking websites or not, justice is the most important part, if things can be overturned and give the innocence the chance to clear themselves, i think that will give many people comfort... then we can discuss whether we can use facebook or whatever

Fair point, that wont happen though. Not whilst people see things in black n white & are unwilling to open their minds a bit more. It's just easier to say well the police & court said they did it, so obviously they must have..

[psychotic]

Hi LS

i understand the position of the police... i totally agree with u that u think they are brought up to bring peace and justice.... but i guess thats not true... and the police are trained the same way everywhere in the world... i think i am starting to question whoever invented to concept of police... or human nature in itself

have to be strong, have to be strong!

Hi psychotic

It shouldn't make you depressed, but it should make you more aware of how it is. Most of us were brought up to believe the police are the last defence to stop false claims reaching a court. It used to be that they would be the ones who would see sense and investigate claims to see if they were true or not.

The reality is that they now regard ALL allegations as true and just collect enough evidence to get them to court.

It's a whole lot more depressive to find what you've been brought up to believe is just wrong.

[psychotic]

sounds like the results are devastating

well social networking websites or not, justice is the most important part, if things can be overturned and give the innocence the chance to clear themselves, i think that will give many people comfort... then we can discuss whether we can use facebook or whatever

[LS]

Nope, I'm not kidding. It doesn't bother me because of the type of people on it, but when I first got my pc back (I was barred from owning a pc while on probation after sentence) the first thing register plod asked was if I went onto social networking sites.

I have no doubt whatsoever that if you are on the SOR and found to be using FB or others, they will either visit a lot more often, or worse still, apply for a SOPO (Sexual Offences Prevention Order) which means they could bar you from internet access indefinitely. And of course they'll use the old "in the interests of public protection" mantra to get it.

But that's the least of the worries. You soon realise that SOR often slams many many doors in your face, from being a partner, parent, worker or employer; and all the other benefits.

[Bigsister]

That's right. I'm on SOR and not allowed to use FB. Under the Terms and Conditions it clearly states "You will not use Facebook if you are a convicted sex offender."

Not only that, why do you think Register Plod visit? They inspect your pc to see what's on it.

Jesus you're kidding?!
Well, it's just as well you're not bothered, or at least dont seem to be, but I think that's crazy. Next they'll stop people on the SOR from going out after 9pm as standard, not to mention night clubs!
How do you stop yourself getting riled by that???
I am a female, & nowhere near the SOR, yet it riles me..

[LS]

That's right. I'm on SOR and not allowed to use FB. Under the Terms and Conditions it clearly states "You will not use Facebook if you are a convicted sex offender."

Not only that, why do you think Register Plod visit? They inspect your pc to see what's on it.

[Bigsister]

Are you saying you are on the SOR & already cant use Farcebook?