"How can they put you in prison for something you haven't done?"
After spending 25 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit, Paul Blackburn took time out to talk to the 2nd year students about his ordeal.
At the age of 15, Blackburn was convicted of attempted murder and attempted sexual assault against a minor. There was no identification and no forensic evidence against him. He was forced to sign a confession and was given a discretionary life sentence of 99 years.
He described prison as "one of the loneliest places you can be" but refused to become a victim. Throughout his sentence he continued to appeal his innocence. Starting with the BBC's "Rough Justice" in the 80's, who rejected his appeal and later to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC). After 27 years of appealing, the case against him was proven false and he was released on 17th March 2003.
Nine years on, he has become involved in Innocence Network UK (INUK), attending conferences around the UK continuing his campaign for Justice.
His message: Never underestimate the value of freedom.
Watch the exclusive WINOL interview here:
http://winol.co.uk/wrongfully-imprisoned-for-25-years/
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