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Error of Judgement

The Birmingham Bombings and the Scandal That Shook Britain

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Error of Judgement

By: Chris Mullin
Narrated by: Leighton Pugh
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About this listen

Error of Judgment lit a fire under the establishment when it was first published, shattering the prosecution case against six Irishmen charged with the Birmingham Bombings and going on to change the course of British legal history.

On the evening of 21st November 1974, bombs planted by the IRA in two crowded Birmingham pubs exploded, killing 21 people and injuring at least 170. Within a day of the explosion, six men - Paddy Hill, Gerry Hunter, Richard McIlkenny, Billy Power, Johnny Walker and Hughie Callaghan - were arrested and charged. All were found guilty.

Methodically, with total clarity and a tone that is both gripping and impassioned, then investigative journalist Mullin unpicked every detail of the case, revealing gaping holes in the prosecution case and the horrifying consequences of an establishment determined to close ranks.

Now 50 years on from the Birmingham Bombings and with new writing from Mullin, this classic edition of Error of Judgement tells the complete story of one of the most significant miscarriages of justice ever. As relevant now as it was when it was first published, it's an essential text on corruption, violence and bias in British policing and justice.

©2024 Chris Mullin (P)2024 Octopus Publishing Group 20th Century Europe Freedom & Security Great Britain Modern Politics & Government War & Crisis

Critic reviews

'Very occasionally a journalist starts an avalanche with a single gunshot... Chris Mullin and his TV colleagues belong in the glorious company." -The Observer

'One of the greatest feats ever achieved by an investigative reporter' -Sebastian Faulks, the Independent on Sunday

'Whoever planted the bombs in Birmingham...also planted a bomb under the British legal establishment' -Robert Harris, Sunday Times
All stars
Most relevant
6 men who were innocent and showed some unreal bravery hard to listen to what british police put them through rip to every person who died in the bombing and the 6 brave men who have passed

Amazing you will never beat the irish

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excellent piece of work about an appalling miscarriage of justice. Well written and well performed. The corruption would make your skin crawl

Excellent work

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Historically an important book.

Complicated information told with clarity

Belfast accents should have been used for the 6 innocent men.

6 innocent men

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Incredible listen that leaves you full of admiration for the people who uncovered this miscarriage of justice, at the same time raging at the dishonestly and total absence of a shred of humanity from the state and establishment.

A book that inspires and angers

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a simply brilliant piece of investigative journalism highlighting the British establishment at its worst. Sadly, nothing much has changed

absolutely superb

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