GHQ ARTICLE - KEVIN LANE A QUESTION OF TIME

In 1996, Kevin Lane was wrongfully convicted of Bob Magill’s murder. It was reported that Magill was shot dead in 1994 by a hitman in Chorleywood, Hertfordshire as he was walking his dog. Two men are said to have fled the scene in a BMW, which was later found. Kevin Lane, a former security firm owner/ doorman, and Roger Vincent were charged in 1995 with his murder.  

The main evidence against the two men revolved around fingerprints found on bin liners in the car. Vincent was cleared but Lane was convicted on a 10-2 majority after a retrial.

During the appeal, the court heard that DI Christopher Spackman, of Hertfordshire police, who was a key officer in the case, was later convicted (2003) of conspiracy to steal £160,000 and of misconduct in a public office. He also told the original trial that some witnesses were untraceable -when this was not the case! He was then convicted and jailed for four years. It was also shown that D.I Spackman had forged documents and witness statements, been involved in cannabis cultivation and had held “off the record” meetings with Vincent without his solicitor being informed or present. Chats that Vincent is said to have requested, and it has been said that during these same confidential chats, Vincent brokered a deal. It has long been believed by both Kevin and those that know him, that there was a conspiracy to put him on trial and a give him a life-long conviction. For decades Kevin and a team of loyal friends have worked both relentlessly and tirelessly, every day to prove his innocence.

Since 1995; when he was charged and remanded, Kevin has written over 10,000 letters, penned a book to highlight the Criminal Justice System and the use of public interest immunity certificates which kept important evidence hidden from public view. He is not just fighting for his own freedom, but also to bring to light the failings within the criminal justice system itself.

In the words of another trusted and mutual friend who once said, “The life of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter has taken more twists and turns than a Rocky Mountain highway, from obscurity to acclaim and back again - and again. Wrongfully arrested and convicted for triple murder, the former professional boxer was sentenced to three life terms, narrowly escaping the electric chair. He became a civil-rights cause célèbre and was immortalized in the Bob Dylan song and later in the Norman Jewison movie Hurricane.”

In February 1988, the 22-year old indictment was finally dismissed. His presentations inspire audiences to never give up on their dreams, to go the distance, and to persevere no matter what obstacles they may face.”

How many more times should a man have to write, “I am a 41- year-old man entering my 15th year in prison for a crime I did not commit.”? This comment was written back in 2010, and that man is still being punished for a crime he did not commit.

GHQ:  Being wrongfully convicted of a crime, what got you through the ordeal?

Kevin: Anger and tenacity for sure. The injustice of my wrongful conviction evoked a raging tornado deep within me. A powerful driving force if you like, to right the wrong. Where I was framed and found guilty his murder, I was so angry. I used the pen, in that it being mightier than the sword and I wrote over 10,000 letters. I believe each letter moved me one step nearer to winning my freedom. Changing my anger into battling to prove I was innocent helped massively. I felt so helpless until I started writing letters. Sustaining from having a TV also stopped the brain from vegetating. I also punished myself in the gym releasing the stress. Also, massive amounts of love and support must be mentioned, as I received hundreds of Christmas cards and letters each year helped me enormously.

GHQ: Are your thoughts the same as when you went away?

Kevin: Definitely not. I consider any given subject objectively now, weighing up things carefully and taking the time to mull- over my thoughts, not listening to the mindless chatter for one. “The constant drip wore the stone,” and I believe the passage, “of time laid its tempered hand upon my head.” Although, “just because the waters are calm, it doesn't mean there aren't any crocodiles underneath.” I'm far more measured and mellowed these days, so I'm told.

GHQ: Is there any way you could forgive those that are responsible for you losing all the years of your life?

Kevin: Bitterness has no adverse effects on a person's personality. I like to think, “life shuffles the cards’ and we play.” I have made the best of my hand, focusing on the here and now. I wish Spackman no ill thoughts. However, Vincent and Smith are always in the mix trying to cause me harm via third parties. They are desperate to stop my book being released which will expose them for the police informers that they are, “smeagal-like creatures to be precise.” My book will punch back hard. The pair of them are actually very cowardly unless they have a gun in their hands. They are not real men, I despise them both.

GHQ: What results or actions do you hope your book, ‘Fitted up and Fighting Back,’ will bring?

Kevin: Selective disclosure to one legal team the prosecution; and not the defense will never work. I hope my book will act as a springboard for a full review of Public Immunity Interest (PII), or sensitive material as it is more commonly known. Such one- sided disclosure is thwart with catastrophic consequences and many more miscarriages of justice will take place. Sensitive material must be thrashed-out on a level playing field in front of the trial judge. Failing that, the minefield of misinformation used against you is far reaching. I would obviously love to see my conviction overturned

GHQ: What plans do you have for the future?

Kevin: I will focus on life itself, “one life, live it.” Spend some quality time with my loved ones and friends. I would also like to do seminars and motivational talks. Previously, I have been a guest speaker at Cambridge University law school, the prestigious Law Society in Marylebone, London to name but a couple, on behalf of the inside justice project. Also, I have a gateway to some of this country's well publicised cases. The Hatton Garden Robbery by way of example, and I would like to interview those involved to hear what they have to say. The inside story, straight from the horse’s mouth so to speak.

Kevin Lane's Book, titled, ‘Fitted up and fighting back,’ and all up to date information regarding Kevin’s progress is available via his site –  https://fittedupandfightingback.co.uk/

and to support please visit and sign at –

https://www.change.org/p/justice-for-kevin-lane-fitted-up-and-fighting-back

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