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An open letter to Prince Charles |
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Thursday, 20 November 2003 |
Dear Prince Charles,
As one Trinity College graduate to another, welcome to the world of false
allegations.
I'm not trying to be flippant but it happened to me. And my response was
the same as yours - "it's totally absurd; there can be no proof as it never
happened". But British law isn't built that way.
I have to say, even if it WAS true, who cares? That's what I thought.
Perfectly consensual experiences decades ago.
But if, now, others are prompted by the publicity to come forward with
further, more damaging accusations - there are terrific financial reasons,
especially with people like Max Clifford around to sell their stories.
I've found I have enough inner strength to cope with wrongful conviction
and a long jail sentence. Media demonisation doesn't bother me. But think
of the thousands of other innocent victims. Like Headmaster Alistair
Wilbee on the Isle of Wight, who killed himself rather than face the shame.
I've met dozens of others in prison. I'm sure there are many more out
there, like Basil Williams-Rigby and Michael Lawson, who were eventually
found innocent after three or four years in jail.
Three or four false allegations of rape...you could be ruined. The
monarchy destroyed. It will never happen, hopefully, because the police
would be on your side. But when they are not. When the quest for raised
conviction rates overwhelms the desire for justice, men and women are
wrongfully convicted. We've seen, since my case, Matthew Kelly, The
Hamiltons, John Leslie.....several celebrity false allegations. And many
more ordinary priests, teachers, care workers, foster parents.....condemned
with no evidence.
Britain's laws do not need any evidence or corroboration for sex offence
convictions. There's no statute of limitations. Accusers remain
anonymous. And the compensation fees are enormous (though nowhere near as
huge as media fees). We need help.
It could be too late for you But if its not, consider the thousands of
voiceless around the world and try to make people aware - there are many
victims of false allegations and the combination of British law,the media
and ambitious police officers has created a lethal climate for this new
crime to flourish.
Best wishes.
Jonathan King.
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