Page 256 - Once a copper 10 03 2020

their participation, later at Queens Road police station in Birmingham. Hill and
Hunter refused to sign any records or other documents.

A number of allegations were made by the six prisoners. Power complained that
he’d been assaulted by Birmingham detectives and the others stated that, during
their time in the custody of the West Midlands Serious Crime Squad, they had been
deprived of food and sleep, being interviewed for as long as twelve hours without a
break. They also alleged they had been threatened, punched and subjected to
police dogs snapping at them, from just a few inches away. The men also claimed
they had been victims of mock executions.

On the morning of their first appearance before the Birmingham Magistrates, both
myself and Mike Davey, were asked to look at the six men to see if we could identify
any of them, as having been inside the Tavern in the Town when we had visited
those premises, prior to the bombs being detonated.

We saw the prisoners, all sitting on a bench in a holding room, under the courts, but
couldn’t recognise any of them. However, having looked closely at each man, I saw
no sign of any violence having been inflicted upon them. However, after spending a
week or so in custody at Winson Green Prison, I again saw the same accused men in
the dock at Birmingham Magistrates court, on 28 November 1974, when they
appeared for their second remand hearing.

They all showed signs of having been physically beaten. An Inquiry was held at the
prison, and as a result, no fewer than fourteen prison officers were charged with
assaulting the six prisoners. They were tried before a jury at Birmingham Crown Court
and were all acquitted.

There is no intention to deny or accept any of the allegations made by the
Birmingham Six about their treatment, when being dealt with by the Serious Crime
Squad, except to confirm that I personally overheard Harry Robinson, who was at
that time the Head of West Midlands CID, speaking to the crews before they were
dispatched to Morcambe, to escort the five prisoners back to Birmingham.

He was aware of the risk of feelings running high, following what had taken place
and warned each of the SCS crews that nothing untoward was to happen to the
prisoners. No physical violence was to be used against them, and the detectives
dealing with the five were to remain professional and objective. He underlined his
directives by threatening severe consequences should any officer disobey his
instructions. And he meant just that.

On 9 June 1975, Power, Walker, McIlkenny, Hill, Hunter and Callaghan, appeared at
the Crown Court at Lancaster Castle before Mr. Justice Bridge and a jury. Following
a lengthy trial, all six were found guilty and sentenced to 21 life sentences.

In March 1976, their first application for leave to appeal was dismissed by the then
Lord Chief Justice, Lord Widgery.

In 1977, the six convicted men pursued a civil claim against West Midlands Police,
which were all eventually dismissed by the then Master of the Rolls, Lord Denning, at Page256
the Court of Appeal.