Bishop of Liverpool visits Formby murderer in jail in bid to clear his name

Criminal Cases Review Commission probing killing conviction of James Thompson after fatal Southport attack

James Thompson (left) and James Jones, former Bishop of Liverpool

The former Bishop of Liverpool has visited a convicted murderer in prison because he believes he could be innocent.

James Thompson was jailed for life and ordered to serve at least 10 years behind bars for killing Antony Johnson in Southport in 2009.

The 25-year-old was convicted after a jury heard how dad-of-three Mr Johnson, 47, was on a Christmas night out, when he was repeatedly kicked in the head while he lay defenceless on the ground.

Prosecutors said the victim was trying to help two upset teenage girls when he was attacked in Lord Street.

Antony Johnson, who was killed on a Christmas night out in Southport in 2009

A later appeal at the High Court in London failed after a judge described quantity surveyor Thompson’s actions as ‘launching drunken gratuitous violence’ on the victim.

But now a campaign has gathered momentum to clear Thompson’s name, with the Right Reverend James Jones - who was involved in the case of Liverpool fan Michael Shields who was eventually granted a royal pardon after being wrongly convicted of attempted murder in Bulgaria - backing him.

The religious leader has looked at the murder case files, and said: “I have studied his papers, have taken advice and strongly believe there are very firm grounds to question the prosecution case and the safety of James’s conviction.”

Bishop James Jones

It comes as the Criminal Cases Review Commission, the government agency which investigates possible miscarriages of justice, confirmed they were examining the conviction.

The case has been with investigators since January 2014, almost two years ago, with both Rt Rev Jones, along with Sefton MP Bill Esterson, now questioning the delay.

Labour MP Bill Esterson

The politician, who believes there are ‘big questions over James’ conviction’ and is ‘convinced of his innocence’, has raised the case in Parliament.

Mr Esterson told the ECHO: “Why is there a delay with this case, when the Ched Evans appeal was ruled upon within 10 months?

“There seems to be a different set of rules if you’re not a footballer.

“There were a number of pieces of evidence not considered at the trial.

“The case appears to have not looked at the fact the man who died had a very serious heart condition.

“There are many aspects of this case which merit review.”

The Criminal Cases Review Commission said: “This case was allocated in September, last year, and is still actively under review.

“We examine cases when new evidence emerges which may cast significant doubt on a conviction,”

Thompson, from Dodds Drive, Formby, claims he acted in self-defence, and insisted the victim was the aggressor.

Ed Shone, a retired barrister and police officer, who has reviewed the murder files, described the case having ‘so many anomalies and inconsistencies’.

He described many of the Crown’s witnesses as providing unreliable testimony because of ‘excessive consumption of alcohol.’

Today, Thompson’s mum, Susan, 62, told the ECHO: “This was a serious miscarriage of justice and my son should not have been convicted.”

James Thompson, who was convicted of the murder Antony Johnson in Southport in 2009

His family added: “James was a young, gifted, talented, happy and successful young man whose life has been torn apart.

“We - his parents, sister, relatives and friends - know and love him for the person he is. A son any parent would be proud to have.”

After Thompson was jailed for life, Allan Johnson, the victim’s dad, said the catalogue of injuries inflicted by ex-Formby High School pupil Thompson on his son left him unrecognisable.

And he dismissed suggestions Antony started the fight, adding: “Tony would have never struck the first blow because he did not have the energy.”

Judge Henry Globe, then the Recorder of Liverpool, was unequivocal in his sentencing remarks, telling academically-gifted Thompson: “Through the obvious effects of excessive drinking, a man’s life was lost through a moment’s madness by you.”

The judge did reduce his jail tariff, however, because he was unable to rule out ‘an element of provocation.’

Story and photos source: Liverpool Echo BY LUKE TRAYNOR

Original story by the Liverpool Echo in July 2010 can be seen HERE