THE ACCUSED - Channel 5

When I was asked by Brinkworth Films in 2016 to consider making a series of documentaries to expose what it is really like to face a criminal prosecution the obvious answer was a big fat "no": there were too many obstacles not least the restrictions on filming inside court buildings and anyway the clients would not be interested - or at least the ones that would  come across as sympathetic characters. However, Malcolm at Brinkworth Films is very persuasive. He pointed to their track record of making genuinely interesting and inquisitive documentaries without taking a simplistic or sensational viewpoint. Their cv included a death row case in the US that had a significant effect.

At the time I was feeling exhausted by the range of attacks on defence lawyers mostly fuelled by ignorance of what we try to do and the importance of our role in maintaining a civilised process of law and order. Much of that ignorance was due to the lawyers refusal to engage with the public - how then can we demonstrate the role we have been entrusted with? Of course the lack of filming in all but our appeal courts has not helped.  

So with some hesitation we agreed to look for cases that  would make for interesting viewing. Obviously, most clients facing prosecution do not want to go anywhere near a camera so gaining their consent was a challenge for Brinkworth.  It should be said that there were absolutely no inducements or pressure applied to the lawyers or the clients! Gradually suitable cases and willing clients emerged. Several broadcasters were interested  but when I heard Channel 5 were the most enthusiastic, my fears reignited, as the channel did not have the strongest reputation for thoughtful documentaries - more Benefits Britain and dodgy lawyers. However, under new ownership it is clear they wish to change that perception.

The first episode was shown in February and has been shortlisted for the Grierson Trust Award.   https://www.griersontrust.org/grierson-awards/the-grierson-awards/shortlist/.

The second went out this week and is available https://www.channel5.com/

The press reaction has been generally very positive.  https://gtstewart.co.uk/2017/08/02/the-accused/

And if you do catch the latest episode - I do know that you can enjoy a drink in a gay bar without having to be gay.....