Read Online Yesterday's Papers by Martin Edwards - Free Book Online Page B

because she currently chaired the Miscarriages of Justice Organisation.
    â€˜As it happens, I wanted to have a word with you. I’m interested in a case which is right up MOJO’s street.’
    Kim leaned forward. MOJO campaigned on behalf of those who claimed to have been wrongly convicted, whether through mistake or malice, yet whose cases were deemed by the authorities to be closed. It had supported the original fight for Kevin Walter’s release although Jeannie’s bandwagon had soon developed a momentum of its own.
    â€˜Another dodgy prosecution?’
    â€˜Too soon to say - even though the case in question dates back thirty years.’
    â€˜Thirty years? You’re going back in time, aren’t you? How come you’re involved?’
    Harry described his meeting with Ernest Miller and outlined what he knew about the Sefton Park Strangling. She listened with care and he enjoyed the feeling that she was concentrating her attention upon him, even if only to hear the story he had to tell. He knew that, as he spoke, she was weighing up the facts, assessing the strength of the case against the convicted man. As soon as he had finished, she slipped into the role of devil’s advocate.
    â€˜So - if Smith was innocent, did he plead not guilty?’
    He hesitated before replying. ‘Apparently not. His confession stood and the jury took it at face value. Don’t forget, those were the days when most people thought the British bobby could do no wrong and it was inconceivable that someone might untruthfully admit to having committed murder.’
    â€˜Okay, but what makes you think there’s anything in Miller’s story? The world is full of oddballs who like to spin strange yarns.’
    â€˜Don’t I know it? Half of them seem to wind up on the other side of my desk. But sometimes those oddballs turn out to be telling the truth.’
    She nodded and he knew that she understood. The people for whom she took up the cudgels were also apt to be social misfits and committing herself to their cause often meant a long and lonely struggle against judicial hostility and public indifference. Harry knew her prime concern was always to do her best for her clients, however unlovely they might be, rather than for Kim Lawrence.
    â€˜True enough. Most of MOJO’s campaigns begin with one person who refuses to accept the received wisdom.’
    â€˜Miller might be such a man. He makes my flesh creep, but he’s no fool. I’m sure he knows more about the Sefton case than he’s let on so far, enough to convince him Smith may well have been innocent. But at the same time he’s still gathering evidence. I simply wondered whether MOJO would be willing to become involved if I did find proof of an injustice.’
    â€˜Sorry, we have enough on our plate at present with contemporary disasters. But if it would help, I’d be glad to look at anything you turn up myself. If Smith didn’t kill the girl, he deserves to have his name cleared.’
    â€˜Thanks. I’ll let you know if I find anything of note in old Cyril’s file.’
    She gave him a sceptical look. ‘If I know Cyril Tweats, you’re most likely to find a trail of paper which exists solely to prove that he strove mightily but to no avail. Did you ever hear of that eighteenth-century breach of contract claim where the plaintiff turned out to be a highwayman? Not only did he lose the action, but he was hanged into the bargain. I often suspect he was represented by Tyburn’s answer to Cyril Tweats.’
    Harry laughed. ‘Good old Cyril. Yet his clients loved him. When they phone up now and find he’s retired, they’re desolated by the thought they now have to depend on Crusoe and Devlin. Cyril made them feel good. It’s a rare skill for a lawyer - and it earned him a few bob over the years.’
    â€˜Another miscarriage of justice.’
    Jim Crusoe was in reception when