Barry George

Barry George

Barry George is a British man who was wrongfully convicted of the murder of television presenter Jill Dando. His case became one of the most high-profile miscarriages of justice in the United Kingdom.

Early Life

Barry Michael George was born on 15 April 1960 in Hammersmith, London. He grew up in a family with a history of mental health issues and had a troubled childhood. George struggled with various learning difficulties and was diagnosed with several psychological disorders.

Criminal Record

Before his arrest for the murder of Jill Dando, Barry George had a criminal record that included charges of attempted rape and indecent assault. He was also known to have a fascination with firearms and the military, often posing as a member of the armed forces.

Murder of Jill Dando

Jill Dando was a well-known television presenter in the UK, famous for her work on shows such as Crimewatch. On 26 April 1999, she was shot dead outside her home in Fulham, London. The murder shocked the nation and led to a massive police investigation.

Arrest and Trial

Barry George was arrested for the murder of Jill Dando in May 2000. The prosecution's case was largely circumstantial, relying on forensic evidence that was later discredited. In July 2001, George was convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Appeals and Acquittal

George's conviction was controversial, and he maintained his innocence throughout. In 2007, the Criminal Cases Review Commission referred his case back to the Court of Appeal. In November 2007, his conviction was quashed due to doubts about the forensic evidence used in the original trial.

In August 2008, after a retrial, Barry George was acquitted of all charges. The jury found that there was insufficient evidence to convict him beyond a reasonable doubt.

Life After Acquittal

Following his acquittal, Barry George sought compensation for his wrongful conviction. However, his claims were rejected by the UK government, which argued that his case did not meet the criteria for compensation.

George has since lived a relatively private life, occasionally speaking out about his experiences and the impact of the wrongful conviction on his life.

Impact and Legacy

The case of Barry George highlighted significant issues within the UK criminal justice system, particularly concerning the use of forensic evidence and the treatment of individuals with mental health issues. It also led to increased scrutiny of police investigation methods and the role of the media in high-profile cases.