Justice on Appeal: A Pathway to Truth and Reform

---

 Origins and Purpose of Justice on Appeal

Justice on Appeal emerged as the United Kingdom’s ‘first’ pro bono charity focusing on criminal appeals, revitalised as a limited company under the stewardship of its founder and chairman, Darren Thomas Bolger. The organisation’s inception was deeply rooted in Darren’s personal drive to overturn his younger brother’s murder conviction. Despite having no formal legal background and working as a carpenter and joiner, Darren faced considerable hurdles, particularly in accessing vital legal resources and support. The process was fraught with resistance, notably from the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) and several police forces, such as Essex Police, the Metropolitan Police, Surrey Police, West Midlands Police, and Norfolk Police.

Family-Led Investigation and Evidence Discovery

Refusing to be deterred by institutional obstacles, Darren teamed up with his mother, an accomplished genealogist and researcher, to scrutinise the case as amateur investigators. Their unwavering commitment led to the unearthing of evidence that had been manipulated and presented under questionable circumstances. This investigation revealed not only dubious practices but also blatant corruption within Essex Police.

Influence on Legal Education and Collaborative Efforts

Justice on Appeal’s establishment marked a significant milestone for individuals challenging wrongful convictions. The charity welcomed legal trainees from esteemed institutions including City Law, BPP Law School, and Bedford University of Law, giving them practical experience in reviewing real cases. Its collaborative approach united seasoned legal professionals and expert witnesses, creating a vibrant learning environment for aspiring lawyers.

One notable chapter in the charity’s history involved Gloria Morrison, who engaged Justice on Appeal to examine issues surrounding the law of Joint Enterprise. Although her involvement was shaped by her own far-left political views, she entrusted Darren with pivotal case reviews in this area.

The organisation subsequently faced attempts by Secret Services operatives to discredit its work and disrupt its evidence-based appeals. Darren countered by drafting the ‘Key Evidence’ report, which was submitted to the House of Commons Justice Committee on Joint Enterprise. Justice on Appeal’s contributions were recognised in the committee’s report, which played a role in the overturning of the Joint Enterprise law. Despite this, the group AGENdA publicly took credit for these achievements, though Justice on Appeal’s documented evidence tells a different story.

Confronting Institutional Resistance

As Darren’s investigations brought longstanding injustices within the British legal system to light, he found himself under scrutiny by the establishment. His comprehensive appeal to the CCRC on behalf of his brother exposed troubling matters: inappropriate personal-relationships between jurors and prosecution counsel, tampering with crucial blood and urine samples, fabrication of SOCA video evidence, and the existence of an Essex Police helicopter video previously denied by Essex CPS. These findings forced the CCRC to confront deep-rooted systemic issues.

It is especially significant that Ralph Barrington, then head of the CCRC, had previously worked alongside David Bright MBE, the police commander implicated in Darren’s brother’s case and related corruption.

Endurance in the Face of Adversity

Despite these revelations, systemic opposition persisted. Five senior CCRC members, including: Sally Berlin, Angela Flowers and the legal advisor John Wagstaff, made unfounded allegations against Darren to West Midlands Police. Although these accusations were dismissed as ‘No Further Action’, the CCRC continued for another seven years to press police to reopen investigations and pursue charges against Darren, seemingly aiming to stifle his advocacy.

When these efforts faltered, the Metropolitan Police shifted focus to Darren’s construction company, which funded Darren enabling him to financially support Justice on Appeal, by facilitating fraud claims from seven clients. This strategy appeared intended to disrupt, Darren and the charity’s operations and threaten its mission.

Trials, Setbacks, and Vindication

Darren faced a lengthy trial, during which crucial evidence—674 emails totalling over 2,000 pages—was introduced midway. This evidence, known and withheld by the police, offered the potential to exonerate him but was neglected by his barrister and not shown to the jury. The trial judge, Recorder Katherine Moore (Norwich), omitted references within these emails and, after a 17-week trial, replaced the original indictment directly into the bundles, remaining in the courtroom, with a new one in the absence of the jury. The resulting, failure to disclose, rejection to present key defence evidence, confusion and judicial misdirection led to Darren’s conviction.

Undeterred by these challenges, Darren ultimately restored his reputation, receiving the Badge of Honour for community service from the mayor of Wandsworth. His journey was far from straightforward; he later discovered he had been under constant surveillance and listed on the HOLMES police intelligence system, pioneered by Ralph Barrington. These developments underscored his suspicions about persistent corruption and bias within Essex Police and associated authorities.

Renewed Vision and Technological Progress

Viewing his personal struggles as part of a larger battle for justice, Darren has relaunched Justice on Appeal with renewed resolve and enhanced expertise. With the support of MAAT, an advanced AI legal assistant, the organisation is moving forward in criminal appeals and broadening its remit to include contract law, bankruptcy, health, family, and media law.

Discover Darren’s Story

For a deeper insight into Darren’s extraordinary journey, listeners can tune into his podcast, ‘The Ultimate Influencer’, or read his book series ‘Operation Westminster’, both available on Amazon. Darren’s brother, Jason Bolger, offers his perspective in ‘The Dyslexic Carpenter’, also on Amazon. Darren remains committed to exposing and challenging institutional failings, most recently confronting the CCRC, Essex Police, and the Metropolitan Police on the steps of the CCRC in May 2025.

Origins Rooted in Awareness of Injustice

Justice on Appeal was born from a profound realisation: a deep and persistent gap existed in the support offered to prisoners striving to overturn their convictions. From its very inception, the organisation’s founders were acutely aware of the injustices encountered by individuals who, despite maintaining their innocence, found themselves mired in a labyrinthine appeals process. Unlike conventional legal aid providers, Justice on Appeal was founded on the principle that true justice requires more than procedural representation—it demands an unwavering determination to confront and redress systemic failings.

The charity made a deliberate and bold choice: to offer free, confidential, and impartial advice and advocacy services, targeting especially those whose voices are most easily lost—prisoners asserting their innocence. These individuals often face towering barriers: institutional suspicion, social stigma, and the daunting complexity of the criminal justice system. Justice on Appeal’s vision was clear—to address these injustices not just through legal mechanisms, but through a mission grounded in empathy, fairness, and purposeful resolve.

Mission: A Commitment to Equity and Resolution

Justice on Appeal’s mission is more than a statement of intent; it is an ongoing commitment to the eradication of miscarriages of justice. Every action taken by the organisation is animated by a fierce dedication to fairness and a belief in the possibility of redemption for those unjustly condemned. Its ethos is built around amplifying the voices of the wrongly convicted, ensuring that their pleas do not fall on deaf ears and that the legal system remains subject to scrutiny, transparency, and reform.

Core Services: Advocacy with Purpose and Passion

The charity’s work spans a broad but interconnected range of services, each reflecting its awareness of injustice and its steadfast determination to resolve it.

Advice and Advocacy: Standing with the Wronged

At the heart of Justice on Appeal is the provision of expert, confidential advice for prisoners wrestling with the appeals process. The charity does more than simply guide clients through paperwork; it helps them gather evidence, prepare compelling cases, and navigate the intricate legal landscape with dignity and hope. Advocacy extends into the courtroom and beyond, standing beside those whose cases may otherwise be dismissed or forgotten, ensuring they are not only represented but truly heard. The charity’s commitment is not passive; it is an active partnership, marked by solidarity and resilience.

Building Networks: Uniting for Change

Recognising that transforming the justice system requires collective effort, Justice on Appeal deliberately fosters connections among trainee and experienced legal professionals. This collaborative environment cultivates expertise and ignites the passion of a new generation of lawyers, each attuned to the realities of injustice and the ethical imperative to confront it. Through mentorship and partnership, the organisation bridges the gap between those in need of representation and those equipped to provide it, particularly in complex cases where decisions may be irrational or unlawful.

Engagement and Reform: Influence Beyond the Court

Determined to effect change at every level, Justice on Appeal maintains robust relationships with practising lawyers and parliamentarians. It is not content to operate within existing frameworks; instead, the organisation seeks to reshape them, lobbying for improvements in the appeals process and championing greater transparency throughout the criminal justice system. By engaging policymakers and legal experts alike, the charity works to dismantle systemic barriers to justice, always with an eye towards remedying past wrongs and preventing future ones.

Educating for Justice: Demystifying Joint Enterprise

A significant aspect of Justice on Appeal’s educational mission is its work around the Law of Joint Enterprise—a doctrine whose complexities have too often led to injustice. By providing resources and training to both legal professionals and the public, the charity equips individuals and communities to better understand and contest the application of this law. These efforts not only correct misinterpretations but also empower the public to engage in informed dialogue about justice and collective responsibility.

Research and Submissions: Evidence for Reform

Justice on Appeal’s dedication to resolving injustice is equally evident in its research and evidence submissions. Drawing on a wealth of case experience, the organisation produces data-driven reports for oversight bodies, legislators, and judicial review panels. These reports offer practical recommendations, rooted in lived experience, and serve as blueprints for meaningful reform. By connecting research with advocacy, Justice on Appeal ensures that policy and practice evolve in response to real-world outcomes.

Impact: Tangible Achievements in the Pursuit of Justice

Justice on Appeal’s awareness of injustice is matched only by its tangible impact. Through the charity’s intervention, numerous wrongful convictions have been overturned, restoring hope, dignity, and freedom to individuals who have been failed by the system. Its commitment to professional development has produced a generation of legal advocates deeply versed in the intricacies of appellate law and passionate about justice reform. Engagements with lawmakers have shaped debates, inspired legislative reviews, and brought greater public awareness to issues such as joint enterprise and wrongful convictions. Through education, research, and advocacy, Justice on Appeal has become a beacon for those whose lives have been upended by injustice.

Challenges and Forward Motion: Unyielding Determination

The road to justice remains arduous. The appeals process is complex and resource-intensive, and those who maintain their innocence face not only legal but also societal obstacles. The emotional and professional demands on advocates are high, and the criminal justice landscape is constantly evolving, shaped by new legislation, shifting public attitudes, and advancements in forensic science.

Justice on Appeal meets these challenges not with resignation, but with renewed determination. The charity continually adapts its strategies, drawing strength from its founding awareness of injustice and steadfast commitment to resolution.

A Legacy of Awareness and Action

Justice on Appeal stands as a testament to the transformative power of awareness and resolve. By offering free, confidential, and impartial support, it brings hope where there was once only despair. Its work with legal professionals, lawmakers, and communities is driven by the recognition that real justice requires more than good intentions—it demands ongoing vigilance, compassion, and the courage to challenge the status quo. As it looks to the future, Justice on Appeal’s unwavering sense of purpose ensures that it will remain a crucial force in the ongoing struggle for a fairer, more humane criminal justice system—an organisation defined not just by what it does, but by its deep awareness of injustice and its unbreakable determination to set things right.