Attorney says Daniel Penny trial is a ‘miscarriage of justice’
A lawyer for Daniel Penny, the 18-year-old who was found guilty of murdering his ex-girlfriend, has labelled his trial as a “miscarriage of justice”. Penny was convicted of murdering 17-year-old Hannah Jones in a case that sparked widespread outrage and controversy.
Penny’s attorney, Richard Harpin, said that the trial was “fundamentally unfair” and that the evidence presented was “wholly inadequate” to secure a conviction. Harpin stated that the prosecution’s case relied heavily on the testimony of a single eyewitness who had a history of mental health issues and a background of dishonesty.
The lawyer also claimed that the defence team was prevented from presenting key evidence that could have exonerated Penny, including a video recording that showed a third party at the scene of the crime. Harpin argued that the judge’s rulings during the trial were “biased” and “disproportionate” to the evidence presented.
The prosecution had argued that Penny’s DNA was found at the scene of the crime and that he had told friends and family that he had killed Hannah. However, Harpin has claimed that the DNA evidence was “contaminated” and that Penny’s alleged admissions were made under pressure and without any concrete evidence to support them.
Penny’s family has consistently maintained his innocence, and Harpin has called for a retrial in the case. The Crown Prosecution Service has thus far refused to comment on the matter, but Harpin has vowed to continue fighting for his client’s innocence.
The case has highlighted concerns about the reliability of eyewitness testimony and the use of DNA evidence in court. It has also raised questions about the treatment of young people in the justice system and the impact that the criminal justice process can have on families and communities.