The relatives of a man who was fatally stabbed two decades ago claim that “the wrong individual is incarcerated” for his murder, as movements arise to challenge the conviction.
In 2013, Jason Moore was sentenced to life imprisonment, serving a minimum of 18 years, after being found guilty of killing 42-year-old Robert Darby in Ilford, east London, in August 2005.
Moore has consistently maintained his innocence, and his family asserts that new evidence has emerged that could exonerate him. The Darby family has joined them in advocating for the reversal of Moore’s conviction.
The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) stated, “We have received an application regarding this case, and a review is currently in progress.”
They further clarified, “It is not suitable for us to discuss the application or provide additional commentary at this moment.”
Kirstie Moore, Jason’s sister, revealed that she submitted fresh evidence to the CCRC 14 months ago, which she believes might demonstrate her brother’s innocence, but is still awaiting feedback.
Ms. Moore alleges that a crucial witness, who initially claimed to have observed the homicide, has since recanted their statement.
She is hopeful that the newly presented information, formally submitted in 2023, could prompt a referral of the entire case back to the Court of Appeal.
Recently, Mr. Darby’s family penned an open letter to the CCRC, as well as the Prime Minister and the Justice Secretary, asserting: “This conviction is a blatant affront to logic and justice, and with each day the Criminal Cases Review Commission postpones action, it exacerbates this miscarriage of justice.”
“Jason Moore continues to endure suffering in prison for Robert’s murder – a crime committed by someone else.”
The letter, represented by Tim, Mr. Darby’s brother, continued: “The CCRC has already made one significant error, and we cannot afford to see this happen again.”
“Recent incidents have revealed grave deficiencies in the system, and Jason Moore must not become another casualty of its shortcomings.”
Last week, Helen Pitcher, the chair of the CCRC, resigned amidst criticisms regarding the agency’s handling of the Andrew Malkinson case, in which he spent 17 years behind bars for a rape he did not commit.
Her resignation has sparked discussions about the potential for improvements in the way the commission addresses wrongful convictions.
Glyn Maddocks KC, an expert in representing victims of miscarriages of justice, described the chair’s departure as a “wonderful opportunity” to reform a “struggling organization.”
He conveyed to the BBC that the commission has been hindered by budget constraints and is in need of a “reboot.”
“When clients contact me and inquire about their chances of overturning a conviction, I tell them it’s easier to scale Everest,” he remarked.
Regarding the plea from Moore’s family to have his conviction annulled, Mr. Maddocks expressed, “I would like to believe they should remain hopeful.”
Ms. Moore shared her aspirations that, following Ms. Pitcher’s resignation, “someone will step in who prioritizes the people, confronts its errors directly, and works to correct what previous courts have done to innocent individuals.”
The impact of her brother’s incarceration over the past 12 years has been incredibly challenging for the family.
“My mother has been in a dreadful condition,” she reflected. “As time goes on, it becomes increasingly tough to pull oneself out of that place.”
Tom Shaw, Moore’s uncle, stated, “Helen Pitcher has been like a barrier preventing the advancement of crucial information.”
“We are optimistic that a new leader will come in and undertake a comprehensive transformation of the entire process to make it effective and just.”
