In my novel ‘Wreckoning’ I attempt to confront some home truths about the state of the judicial system and the media within the United Kingdom. A cyber terrorist organization known as Wreckoning holds the country to ransom by attacking the British press. They accuse the media of ‘hiding behind a banner of freedom of speech’ to abuse the trust with which they have been given. Hounding those accused of a crime by publishing their details for the public to gawp at is a direct contradiction of the foundation of a fair legal trial – being innocent until proven guilty. The courts, solicitors and barristers, and the police are also targeted. Wreckoning asks about an accused man, ‘How can he now stand trial when the rug of impartiality has been removed from beneath him?’
I believe there is a fundamental flaw in how a democratic society like Britain conducts its justice. Why is it that a judge seems determined to broadcast the details of an ‘innocent’ man or woman to the world before a conviction is secured? And even if they are found guilty, what benefit is there to destroy that person’s life further, and not only theirs but their family and friends? Am I saying everything should be done behind closed doors? Actually, yes I am. I believe that is the only way to safeguard privacy. A court should not be a freak show where anyone can walk in off the street to be entertained. It should match the seriousness of the purported crimes and dealt with in a sensitive manner like the alleged victims should experience. Once a person’s name is announced then their life is lost. ‘Innocent’ is a misnomer as mud sticks and the plea is never ‘Innocent’ but ‘Guilty’ or ‘Not Guilty’.
‘Wreckoning’ was an attempt to examine these issues that no one seems to have the courage to discuss or perhaps they know the corruption can never be reversed. With the weight of a public fed on the gossip of others why would a country want to change its menu now? They say justice is blind. I believe it is blind to the right to be tried in a private, non-obtrusive way. Its scales have been tipped too long to the side of the public’s desire to intrude. How would they feel if the shoe was on the other foot?
Perhaps one day true justice will be served.
