Sam Hallam, wrongfully imprisoned for murder, still awaits compensation after years of fighting for justice
Hoxton: Sam Hallam spent over seven years in prison for a murder he didn’t commit, and he’s still waiting for any compensation. Can you believe that? It’s been a long road for him.
He was just 18 when he got locked up. It was a tough break, but he finally got out in 2012 after proving he was nowhere near the crime scene. His phone had the evidence that cleared him.
Now, at 36, he’s frustrated. He said, “For 20 years, I’ve been fighting this case, and I haven’t seen a single penny for the time I lost.” It’s heartbreaking to think about.
Sam’s not alone in this struggle. A law change in 2014 made it harder for people like him to get compensation. Only a tiny fraction of claims are successful now, which is just wrong.
He believes the new rules need to go. “It’s not fair,” he said. “This isn’t what our country should be about.”
Sam was convicted for the 2004 murder of Essayas Kassahun, but thanks to a campaign led by actor Ray Winstone, he got his freedom back. But the fight for compensation? That’s still ongoing.
Even the Supreme Court and the European Court of Human Rights turned him down. It’s frustrating, especially when polls show most people think those wrongfully convicted should get paid quickly.
Justice charity Appeal is backing him, saying compensation is crucial for rebuilding lives after wrongful imprisonment. Others, like Seema Misra, who was also wrongly jailed, agree that full compensation is a must.
There are others waiting for their payouts too, like Andrew Malkinson, who spent 17 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. It’s a tough situation for so many.
The Ministry of Justice says they support victims and are reviewing the compensation process. Let’s hope they make some changes soon.
