Convictions of Michael Steele get reviewed again by CCRC after denial from Court of Appeal. Whomes was freed, Steele, 82, is set to go free.
Whomes was released four years ago. Steele is 82 years old now. The Parole Board approved his release, so big news, right?
The Criminal Cases Review Commission got new appeal requests. They are reviewing the convictions carefully now, but said they can’t comment further right now, as the review is in progress.
Essex Police told the BBC something too. They said they checked this case thoroughly before the trial and after jail. They looked at it hard.
You might know the crime; it happened on a farm track. It’s been in movies and TV shows. “Essex Boys” and “Rise of the Footsoldier” drew inspiration.
The Court of Appeal already said “no”. They refused release in 1999 and 2006, and dismissed appeals again in 2013 and 2016. They weren’t moved.
The CCRC is independent from the Ministry of Justice. They start appeals with strong new evidence, and new arguments can trigger a fresh appeal. That is how it works.