Steele, Michael

Michael Steele was convicted in January 1998 of murder and conspiracy to fraudulently evade the prohibition on the importation of a Class B controlled drug (cannabis). Mr Steele received a sentence of life imprisonment.

The CCRC received an application for review of the conviction in February 1999.

At the centre of the prosecution’s case at trial was the testimony of a witness who gave evidence that they had driven two of the defendants, including Mr Steele, to and from the place where three of their associates had been shot.

The witness also gave evidence that the two defendants had admitted to the killings.

During review, the CCRC obtained new evidence indicating that this witness had sold their story to the media pre-trial, and that the amount of royalties payable appeared likely to depend upon the outcome of the trial.

It also appeared the police knew about and facilitated the witness’s media contracts but had failed to disclose this matter to the defence.

In addition, fresh expert cell phone triangulation evidence supported the defendants’ account of their movements.

The CCRC referred the conviction in March 2003.

The Court of Appeal upheld the conviction in February 2006.