GEORGE DAVIS: 50 YEARS SINCE WRONGFUL CONVICTION
It’s been five decades since George Davis was wrongly accused of robbing a bank, but the memory of that fateful day still haunts him. At 83 years old, George vividly recalls the moment he was sent to prison while his three companions walked free. “I was alright until that point. And then I felt a little bit faint,” he shares.
As George watched his associates leave, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of disbelief. “You can’t be convicted. You’re innocent. It’s impossible,” he thought to himself. However, he soon found himself in Wormwood Scrubs, shedding a few tears as he grappled with the reality of his situation. George had never been to prison before, and the thought of how long he would be incarcerated weighed heavily on his mind.
The armed robbery that led to George’s conviction took place in April 1974 at the London Electricity Board. Four armed men stormed the office, stealing a staggering £77,585 in payroll. During the escape, one police officer was shot in the leg, but the robbers managed to flee in commandeered cars. Clad in motorcycle helmets and a flying hat, they remained unidentified.
Despite the lack of forensic evidence and eyewitnesses, George was repeatedly questioned by the police. He was eventually placed in an identification parade in front of 40 individuals on May 17, 1974. Shockingly, five police officers claimed to recognize him, leading to his arrest and subsequent conviction for armed robbery and attempted murder of two police officers.
However, George’s community in east London rallied behind him, firmly believing in his innocence. Led by his wife Rose and friend Peter Chappell, who had been with George in Bow at the time of the robbery, a massive campaign was launched to prove his wrongful conviction. Peter, in a fit of rage, drove a lorry to Fleet Street, crashing through the front window of the Daily Mirror before proceeding to target the Mail, the Express, and the Telegraph. He even drove towards Buckingham Palace and made his way through the gates. Later, he flew to Paris, where he threw a brick through the window of the British Embassy, leaving his passport on the desk with a message declaring George’s innocence.
Despite Peter’s arrest and subsequent release, his actions birthed a powerful slogan that would resonate throughout the campaign: “George Davis is innocent, Ok.” The fight for justice continued, and George’s story serves as a stark reminder of the flaws within the justice system.
CONVICTED ARMED ROBBER GEORGE DAVIS PROCLAIMED INNOCENT AS PROTESTS ROCK THE STREETS OF LONDON
In a stunning show of support, friends and family of George Davis, a man convicted of armed robbery, took to the streets of London to protest his innocence. Led by his devoted wife Rose Davis, the passionate demonstrators marched from Tower Hill to Downing Street, demanding justice for George.
The movement gained momentum as Peter and Rose Davis intensified their campaign. They organized regular marches, boldly painting messages of George’s innocence on public buildings and bridges. The rallying cry “George Davis is Innocent OK” was emblazoned on posters, badges, and T-shirts, capturing the public’s attention.
The injustice surrounding George’s case ignited a firestorm of anger, creating a deep divide in society. Even influential bands like The Who and Sham 69 showed their support. The Who held a benefit concert for George, while Sham 69 dedicated a song to him, further amplifying the call for justice.
As time passed, the protests grew bolder and more audacious. George’s brother-in-law shocked onlookers by wading naked into the pond at Victoria Park, generating sensational headlines. Meanwhile, Rose staged a protest outside Scotland Yard on Christmas Day, refusing to let the holiday dampen her determination.
While George endured life behind bars, his spirit remained unbroken. Transferred from one prison to another, he found solace in the camaraderie of fellow inmates who believed in his innocence. They became his confidants, sharing news clippings about the ongoing campaign, fueling his hope for vindication.
But it was the audacious Ashes campaign that ultimately turned the tide. In a bold move, Peter and three others journeyed to Headingley in Leeds, where they vandalized the cricket pitch and poured oil on it. Defiantly, they scrawled the words “Sorry. It had to be done” on the stadium walls, leading to the abandonment of the match. Peter Chappell, the mastermind behind the act, was apprehended and sentenced to 18 months in prison. Undeterred, he continued his protest from behind bars, writing slogans on T-shirts and walls.
The relentless noise created by the supporters seemed to have an impact, as in 1976, George’s fortunes took an unexpected turn. Home Secretary Roy Jenkins invoked the Royal Prerogative, leading to George’s sudden release. Upon his return to London, George was greeted with overwhelming cheers from his adoring supporters at Waterloo station, marking a moment of triumph.
Reflecting on that unforgettable day, George describes it as an indescribable feeling. The outpouring of love and support from the crowds outside his home, where his entire family had gathered, left him with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. While George savored his newfound freedom, he couldn’t help but feel for his loyal friend Peter, who remained incarcerated.
George remains forever grateful for the unwavering support he received from his then-wife Rose, the public, his legal team, and Peter and his wife Shirley. The sacrifices they made, including Peter’s time in prison, are something George finds impossible to repay. Their unwavering belief in his innocence is a debt he can never fully repay.
GEORGE’S INCREDIBLE STORY OF BETRAYAL, CRIME, AND REDEMPTION
In a shocking turn of events, George, the once-beloved figure, found himself caught in a downward spiral of drinking and crime. It all started back in September 1977 when George, fueled by desperation, decided to rob the Bank of Cyprus in London. Little did he know that this impulsive act would lead to a 15-year prison sentence. However, thanks to an appeal, his sentence was reduced to 11 years.
The consequences of George’s actions were not limited to his time behind bars. His partner, Rose, felt deeply betrayed and ultimately left him. Tragically, when Rose passed away in 2009, she made it clear that George was not welcome at her funeral. The pain of losing her and the guilt of his actions weighed heavily on George.
Reflecting on his crime, George admits that he never considered the possibility of getting caught. He acted out of selfishness, driven by a desperate need for money. He acknowledges the support he received from unnamed individuals who fought for his freedom, leading to the overturning of his 1974 robbery conviction. However, George’s gratitude is tinged with regret, as he realizes the impact his actions had on those who supported him.
Since his release, George has embarked on a journey of self-discovery and redemption. He found solace in work, particularly in the field of medical transport, where he felt a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Despite his troubled past, George claims to be content with his life now. He no longer dwells on regrets, choosing instead to focus on the present and the positive changes he has made.
George’s story is a testament to the power of redemption and the resilience of the human spirit. Despite the mistakes he made, George has found a way to rebuild his life and find happiness. His tale serves as a reminder that it is never too late to turn one’s life around and find a path to redemption.
