Executed: But was James Hanratty Innocent?: A Damning Indictment of the DNA Evidence Used to Condemn Him

In 2002, the Court of Appeal in London proclaimed James Hanratty's guilt in the A6 Murder case based on DNA evidence from the Forensic Science Service. However, campaigners such as Paul Foot and Bob Wooden had documented evidence pointing to Hanratty's innocence, leading the Criminal Cases Review Commission to bring the case back before the court. This book examines the court's worrying deliberations and subsequent events, raising concerns about the way forensic DNA evidence is being treated in the courts. It suggests that the answers to these questions are woeful and have implications for the criminal justice system and those being judged by it.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 04 August 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

In 2002, the Court of Appeal in London declared James Hanratty's guilt in the notorious A6 Murder case, based on DNA evidence from the now-defunct Forensic Science Service. This verdict, after 40 years of controversy, aimed to end doubts in the case. However, it did not address the compelling evidence documenting Hanratty's innocence, which had led the Criminal Cases Review Commission to reopen the case. This book is the first to examine the court's deliberations and subsequent events, raising concerns among political and judicial authorities. The controversy surrounding the case remains far from resolved.

While the FSS evidence suggests Hanratty's guilt, if true, his innocence must be questionable. The court's duty to balance conflicting narratives and assess the credibility of the scientific evidence presented was inadequate. The answers to these questions are troubling and should be widely known. This work highlights the implications of this case not only for the A6 Murder case but also for the way forensic DNA evidence is still being treated in courts. It is not a light read, but authorities and legal professionals should consider it carefully, as it has significant implications for the criminal justice system and those facing judgment.

Weight: 538g
Dimension: 164 x 242 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399044936