14/03/2003
Two former children's home workers jailed for allegedly abusing boys in their care have been freed by the Court of Appeal.
Basil Williams-Rigby, 57, who was originally sentenced to 12 years at Liverpool Crown Court in August 1999, and Michael Lawson, 62, who was jailed for seven years at the same court in June 2000, hhave always maintained they were convicted of crimes which did not occur.
During the appeal, their lawyers claimed the men were convicted on teh uncorroborated evidence of complainants who only came forward after police "trawled" for alleged victims by writing to former residents asking if they had complaints. Many of the accusers had criminal convictions, and some of the m may have been motivated by possible compensation payouts, said the lawyers.
Chris Saltrese, Mr Williams-Rigby's solicitor, said the case paved the way for many other appeals. "The Court of Appeal is going to be occupied for many months if not years with similar miscarriages of justice," he said.
> more details http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/2850909.stm
Mark Barlow appeared for Basil Williams-Rigby (instructed by Chris Saltrese solicitors).