An open letter to Prince Charles |
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. |