JENGbA received a call today from Guys Marsh where Ray is
currently incarcerated. Ray, under duress 32 years ago confessed to a murder in
Liverpool because he was told if he didn’t he would be killed. Then, when as a 19 year old lad he realised
he had made the wrong decision he has been protesting his innocence. Because he is innocent – everyone who knows
anything about miscarriages of justice knows Ray did not kill anyone. Even the justice system after the campaigning
work of Bruce Kent and PPMI (Promoting Prisoner Maintaining Innocence) have supported his innocence as have most of
the people in Liverpool who know he did
not commit the murder. Ray Gilbert is
now 17 years over tariff because he has maintained his innocence.
So there was sorrow in his voice when he was told today –
under a paper review that he was not going to get his Cat D. The probation services have recommended his
release on the outside; the probation service, inside the prison have recommended
his progression towards release. Yet someone who has never met Ray, who does
not have all his paperwork of the case has said no. He is not after 32 years in prison allowed to
progress. The prison Governor told Ray
it didn’t make sense.
So JENGbA want to know what is going on here? Who is Ray Gilbert a danger to? He has had three town visits – every time
after he called supporters and sounded so excited about his progression and
positive about his future release. He
has served what would be a double life sentence, when others are released. Is it because Ray has highlighted the system
and the corruption in our Justice system – especially how the Police are
prepared to frame vulnerable innocent men of colour.
