Wright, Eric
Eric Wright was convicted in November 1977 of conspiracy to communicate prohibited information, belonging to a proscribed organisation, unlawful possession of ammunition, and causing grievous bodily harm with intent. Mr Wright received a sentence of ten years’ imprisonment.
The CCRC received an application for review of the conviction in January 2009.
Following investigation, the CCRC concluded that the manner in which Mr Wright, then aged 16, was detained and interviewed involved significant breaches of the Judges’ Rules and other protections which he should have enjoyed.
This included a failure to ensure the presence of an appropriate adult during interview and the failure to allow Mr Wright access to legal advice.
The CCRC considered that in consequence of these breaches, admissions to guilt made by Mr Wright were unreliable and/or inadmissible.
The CCRC referred the conviction in July 2009.
The Northern Ireland Court of Appeal upheld the conviction in May 2012.