Rough justice

The appeal Court ruling that Michael and Vincent Hickey, the cousins wrongfully convicted of killing a newspaper boy in 1978, must pay for the living expenses they "saved" while in jail is a disgrace. In 1997 the two men were awarded £990,000 and £506,220 respectively for their 18 years of wrongful imprisonment, but Appeal Court judges feel it appropriate that 25 per cent should be deducted from this compensation. This would effectively be a charge for their "bed and board" while in jail.

Miscarriages of justice are undoubtedly expensive, but the Hickeys have already paid a scandalously high price and deserve full compensation. The case should be brought before the House of Lords, and justice must, finally, be done.