In a landmark decision, three members of the so-called 'Stockwell Six' have had their convictions overturned by the Court of Appeal, more than 50 years after they were wrongfully accused of attempting to rob a corrupt police officer.
The case dates back to 1972, when Ronald De Souza, Paul Green, and another man—whose identity remains protected—were convicted based on fabricated evidence by Detective Sergeant Derek Ridgewell, a notorious officer later jailed for theft.
A Long Wait for Justice
For decades, the men maintained their innocence, insisting they were victims of Ridgewell's corruption. The disgraced officer, who died in prison in 1982, was part of a Scotland Yard unit that systematically targeted young Black men in London, leading to multiple wrongful convictions.
De Souza, now 76, expressed relief after the ruling, stating, "Finally, the truth has come out. It’s been a lifetime of suffering, but today we have justice."
Systemic Corruption Exposed
The case highlights a dark chapter in British policing, where Ridgewell and his team routinely planted evidence and falsely accused innocent individuals. His crimes only came to light after he was imprisoned for stealing mailbags while on duty.
Legal experts say this ruling underscores the need for further reviews of cases linked to Ridgewell, as many others may still be living with unjust convictions.
Moving Forward
The Court of Appeal acknowledged the miscarriage of justice, with Lord Justice Holroyde calling the original trial "a profound failure of the legal system." The men’s legal team is now pushing for compensation and a formal apology from the Metropolitan Police.
This historic ruling serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of police corruption and the importance of accountability in law enforcement.
