Lloyd Francis, Devon

Devon Lloyd Francis was convicted in December 1993 of being concerned in the production of Class A drugs, possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply, and conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (cocaine). Mr Francis received a sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment.

The CCRC received an application for review of the conviction in November 2006.

Following review, the CCRC concluded that subsequent to Mr Francis’s conviction, DC Batsford, a primary witness whose evidence was challenged at trial, had been discredited as witness of truth.

This followed the findings of an internal investigation conducted by the West Midlands Police named “Operation Gunter”.

Operation Gunter involved the investigation of a number of criminal allegations including the theft of money and drugs by members of the West Midlands Police Drug Squad.

No criminal proceedings were instituted against any police officers but disciplinary proceedings were commenced in respect of some officers.

The CCRC referred the conviction in December 2009.

The Court of Appeal quashed the conviction in February 2011.