Innocent victim of Britain's most bent cop bids to fulfil 50-year quest for justice

Winston Trew, once an innocent victim of one of Britain’s most notorious corrupt police officers, is set to take a historic step toward justice. At 76, he plans to address a crowd at Lambeth Town Hall on September 10, marking the 50th anniversary of a pivotal protest that sought to expose systemic police corruption. His appearance will coincide with the launch of a proposed law, “Trew’s Law”, aimed at triggering automatic reviews of cases involving police officers later found to have committed serious misconduct. The protest, known as the 1974 “Cause For Concern” rally, was organized by Black Power activists to support Trew and others falsely accused of criminal activity. However, Trew could not attend due to his incarceration. In 1972, he was arrested alongside three other Black men, Sterling Christie, George Griffiths, and Constantine “Omar” Boucher, at Oval Tube station in South London. Accused of stealing handbags, they were subjected to brutal treatment while in custody, including physical abuse, before being found guilty of assault and attempted theft. All four received two-year sentences, later reduced to eight months on appeal. Their convictions were ultimately overturned in 2019 by the Court of Appeal, ending decades of injustice. Trew, who has spent over 40 years campaigning for the truth, described the experience as a defining moment in his life. “Even if you’re innocent, you have to prove you’re innocent,” he said. “It put me on a path I never thought I’d be travelling.” During his imprisonment, Trew remained connected to activist groups such as the Fasimbas, a Black Power organization. While incarcerated, he played a role in organizing the 1974 rally, which aimed to raise awareness about police brutality and corruption. Though he could not physically participate, his involvement helped galvanize support for the cause. The case against Trew was orchestrated by Det Sgt Derek Ridgewell, a senior officer with the British Transport Police. Known for his racist and corrupt practices, Ridgewell framed numerous individuals, particularly Black men, during the 1970s. His actions led to the wrongful convictions of many, including Trew and others. Ridgewell, who died in prison at age 37, is believed to have been responsible for setting up dozens of innocent men. His tactics included fabricating evidence and using excessive force, often targeting marginalized communities. Other victims of Ridgewell’s schemes include Errol Campbell, whose son Jeffrey Campbell will speak at the upcoming event. Campbell’s father was convicted in 1978 of theft and conspiracy to steal from the Bricklayers Arms. The case was led by Ridgewell, alongside colleagues Det Const Douglas Ellis and Det Const Alan Keeling, who later admitted to stealing from the same goods depot. Campbell’s co-defendants, Basil Peterkin and Saliah Mehmet, were also imprisoned in 1977 for allegedly robbing the British Rail depot of £30,000. Although they were initially found guilty, recent legal proceedings revealed that their convictions relied heavily on the testimony of corrupt officers. Trew’s campaign for “Trew’s Law” seeks to prevent similar injustices by mandating automatic reviews whenever a police officer is found to have engaged in serious misconduct. This measure aims to ensure that past wrongs do not go unchallenged and that the system holds itself accountable. As Trew prepares to speak at Lambeth Town Hall, he hopes to inspire a new generation of advocates for justice and reform. His journey, from wrongful imprisonment to becoming a symbol of resilience, reflects both personal triumph and a broader call for systemic change.