4: Innocent Until Proven Guilty?
One afternoon in 2016, Liam Allan’s life was turned upside down after a single knock at his door. The criminology student had been falsely accused of rape, and was later charged. It wasn’t for another two years that tens of thousands of text messages proved his innocence. Why did it take so long? And what do you do when an accuser isn’t telling the truth?
Trapped inside the justice system, Liam was forced to come to terms with the prospect of years in prison for something he didn’t do.
He now lives with his partner and their young daughter. The pair dedicate their time to running The Defendant, a charity set up to help other people navigating the criminal justice system.
This episode features discussions around mental health. If you, or someone you know needs support, visit these websites for more information. Samaritans - Mind - Time to Change
The Innocence Podcast is brought to you by The Manchester Innocence Project
Presenter/Researcher: Kylie Pentelow
Producer: Lucy McDaid
Editor: Kris McConnachie
Executive Producer: Professor Claire McGourlay