Last year I posted a piece about the Court of Appeal verdict on two innocent men who had their convictions quashed. Sadly, neither Saliah Mehmet or Basil Peterkin lived to learn of their exoneration. They were two more victims of the disgraced BTP officer Derek Ridgewell.
This week (17th July 2025) another two men were cleared. So far, 13 cases have been overturned.
Errol Campbell, who died in 2004, had been jailed for 18 months for theft and conspiracy to steal while Ronald De Souza, who was part of the group known as the Stockwell Six, was detained for six months for attempted robbery.
Assistant Chief Constable Charlie Doyle said BTP was “sincerely sorry” to those affected by the criminal actions of Ridgewell.
“[His] appalling actions in the 1970s and 1980s led to the criminalisation of innocent people,” he said.
“I am disgusted by the actions of Derek Ridgewell, and while we know we can’t change the past, his actions do not represent the BTP of today.
“We’re continuing to review records relating to his corrupt practices, which includes those relating to officers who were associated with DS Ridgewell or may have assisted him in his criminal activity. We continue to actively pursue a criminal investigation into the actions of those involved and will present a file to the CPS for consideration once we have completed our enquiries.”
BBC News report: Two framed by corrupt officer decades ago cleared
Also see: Convictions Quashed