Oliver Campbell's Murder Conviction Overturned After 33 Years

Oliver Campbell, a man with severe brain damage and learning disabilities, has had his 1991 murder conviction overturned after 33 years. The Court of Appeal ruled his conviction for the murder of shopkeeper Baldev Hoondle 'unsafe,' citing concerns over the coercion of his confessions and his cognitive impairments, which were not fully considered during his original trial. Campbell, who struggled with memory and concentration, was subjected to intense police interrogation that led to inconsistent and unreliable admissions of guilt. Eyewitnesses did not identify him as the shooter, and forensic evidence did not match him, raising further doubts about his involvement. The Criminal Cases Review Commission referred the case, ultimately leading to the successful appeal. Campbell expressed relief at being recognized as innocent, stating, 'The fight for justice is finally over.'