Towards the end of last year Hamedur Rahman attended an event at City, St George’s which was much anticipated: hearing from Chris Mullin during the 50th anniversary of the tragic Birmingham pub bombings. During the event, he shared insights into his groundbreaking investigation, including how he uncovered fresh evidence that ultimately contributed to the acquittal of the Birmingham Six. Mullin also revealed his encounters with individuals he claims were directly involved in the bombings and discussed the far-reaching implications of the case for the British justice system.

On 22 November 1974, Birmingham was forever changed. Two IRA-planted bombs exploded in The Mulberry Bush and The Tavern in the Town pubs, killing 21 people and injuring over 200. The city descended into chaos, and within hours, six men—later known as the Birmingham Six—were arrested, convicted, and sentenced to life imprisonment. However, their guilt would be proven a tragic falsehood, leading to one of the most significant miscarriages of justice in British history.

“Whoever planted the bombs in Birmingham…also planted a bomb under the British legal establishment,” wrote Robert Harris in The Sunday Times, capturing the seismic impact of the Birmingham Six case on the UK’s criminal justice system. This set the stage for investigative journalist Chris Mullin’s relentless pursuit of truth and justice.

At a recent event commemorating 50 years since the bombings, Chris Mullin—journalist, former MP, and author of Error of Judgement—shared his experiences uncovering the truth, exposing the failures of the justice system, and freeing the innocent. Speaking with Sarah Kavanagh, Head of Media and Communications at the Bar Council, Mullin captivated the audience with stories of investigative grit and systemic failures.

Chris Mullin’s Investigative Journey

Mullin’s pursuit of justice began in the 1980s after a friend in Lancaster expressed doubts about the Birmingham Six’s guilt. With limited resources, he launched his own investigation, revealing flaws in the police’s evidence and tactics.

One of the key breakthroughs came when Mullin enlisted two independent scientists to debunk the forensic tests used against the six men. These tests, which allegedly identified traces of explosives, were flawed. Mullin demonstrated that ordinary household substances could produce the same results, casting doubt on the police’s conclusions.

Additionally, Mullin uncovered critical inconsistencies in the confessions of the accused, which contradicted each other and key facts of the case. “The evidence was clear,” Mullin explained, “but the police didn’t care about who really did it—they just wanted someone to blame.”

Mullin’s determination and groundbreaking investigative work have been hailed as “one of the greatest feats ever achieved by an investigative reporter,” according to Sebastian Faulks. His dogged pursuit of the real bombers not only freed the Birmingham Six but also exposed systemic flaws in the justice system.

Determined to not only exonerate the innocent but also expose the real perpetrators, Mullin began visiting prisons and speaking to convicted IRA members. His work led him to Michael Murray, a known IRA operative. Initially hostile, Murray eventually admitted that four men, including himself, were responsible for the bombings. This marked a pivotal moment in Mullin’s quest to free the Birmingham Six.

The Implications for Justice

Despite Mullin’s meticulous work, the path to justice was fraught with challenges. Two appeals were made on behalf of the Birmingham Six—one failed, and the other, in 1991, finally led to their release after 16 years in prison.

Mullin’s precise research and fearless approach to questioning suspects and challenging authority sparked a wave of accountability and reform.

Reflecting on the case, Mullin described it as “not just a disaster for the six men, but a disaster for the criminal justice system.” He criticised systemic issues such as coerced confessions, lost evidence, and institutional bias. When asked why miscarriages of justice persist, he pointed to a lack of accountability and transparency in the justice system. “The Crown has a history of losing evidence,” Mullin noted, “and relevant materials seem to ‘disappear’ far too often.”

Modern Relevance: Lessons for Today

The Birmingham Six case remains a stark reminder of the fallibility of the justice system. Mullin highlighted parallels with other infamous cases, such as the Guildford Four and the Central Park Five in the United States, both of which involved coerced confessions and wrongful convictions.

In an era of advanced forensic technology and increased awareness of police misconduct, why do such miscarriages still occur? Mullin argued that systemic reform has been slow and that public pressure often drives hasty arrests in high-profile cases.

His message to aspiring lawyers and journalists was clear: “Be persistent, have curiosity, and always follow the evidence.” These principles, he said, are crucial in uncovering the truth and holding power to account.

Public and Media Reaction

Not all reactions to Mullin’s work were positive. The Sun notoriously described Mullin’s role in the case as leaving “a nasty odour that will not go away.” This headline: “Looney MP backs bomb gang” – reflected the hostility he faced from certain corners of the media. Yet, Mullin’s resilience in the face of such criticism remains a testament to his commitment to justice.

Audience Engagement and Reflection

The event’s Q&A session provided further insights into Mullin’s journey. When asked how he managed to gain the trust of IRA members, he emphasised his commitment to rescuing the innocent. “I treated it like a political issue and always made progress,” he said, even in the face of public outrage and media vilification.

One audience member asked what kept him going despite setbacks, including a rejected appeal and harsh criticism from the press. Mullin’s determination stemmed from his belief in justice and his ability to treat obstacles as challenges to overcome.

Sarah Kavanagh’s thoughtful questions as an interviewer added depth to the discussion. Her expertise in media and justice campaigns allowed her to explore Mullin’s investigative techniques and the wider implications of his work.

The Power of Mullin’s Legacy

Chris Mullin’s work remains a testament to the power of investigative journalism. As described by The Observer:

“Every so often, a journalist starts an avalanche with a single gunshot.”

His book, Error of Judgement, first published in 1986 and now republished, continues to educate and inspire a new generation of truth-seekers.

This event served not only as a commemoration of the Birmingham Six’s exoneration but also as a call to remain vigilant against injustice. Mullin’s persistence, courage, and unwavering belief in the truth remind us that the fight for justice is never over.

Conclusion

The Error of Judgement event exceeded expectations, offering a profound look at one of the most notorious miscarriages of justice in British history. Chris Mullin’s powerful storytelling, combined with Sarah Kavanagh’s incisive questions, left the audience with valuable lessons on the importance of evidence, persistence, and accountability.

This anniversary is not just a moment to reflect on the past but a reminder of the ongoing need for reform in the justice system. For anyone seeking a deeper understanding of how truth can triumph over injustice, Mullin’s book—and his remarkable story—are essential.

If you’d like to know more, here are a few useful resources to get started:

Interview with Hugh Callaghan, one of those wrongly convicted (Guardian, 26 March 2022)

BBC features: In detail…the pub bombings (episodes on BBC Sounds) and a overview, The inside story of the Birmingham pub bombings.

Bar Council blog by pupil barrister Basanti Mardemootoo ’50 years on: the Birmingham Six, miscarriages of justice, and the fight for truth’.

Chris Mullin’s introduction to his book, ‘Error of Judgement‘.

Hamedur has a keen interest in family law and a strong ambition to become a family solicitor. Beyond his studies, he actively engages in teaching calisthenics to youths in various boroughs, promoting both fitness and community cohesion. His dedication to giving back to local communities drives his volunteer work with the charity Under One Sky, where he contributes to efforts to end homelessness. He thrives on meeting new people and making a tangible impact in their lives. Recently, he discovered a hidden passion for running and now aspires to one day participate in charity runs for organisations such as Save the Children and The British Red Cross.