The Accused

The British criminal justice system is built on one simple principle; that a jury of ordinary men and women must be convinced of someone’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt. But every system has its flaws.

The Accused explores the Catch 22 dilemma for the people fighting convictions that they believe are a miscarriage of justice. At a point in history where more long-serving innocent prisoners are finally having their appeals heard and convictions quashed, this series is a timely reminder that our legal system is far from perfect.

Made by Candour Productions, The Accused is a new 4x60’ series that lifts the lid on the often confusing criminal justice system, from Crown Court trials to the time-consuming Appeals process – hearing how some have fought what feels a Kafkaesque nightmare. Some win their freedom while others remain behind bars, some lose and continue to spend years locked up, even beyond their original sentence.

If you have been found guilty of a crime that you insist you didn’t do, how do you prove you’re innocent?