Paddy Joe Hill, who died last week at the age of 80, left behind a remarkable legacy as both a victim of one of the UK’s most notorious miscarriages of justice and as a tireless advocate for others wrongfully accused. Hill was catapulted to notoriety as one of the Birmingham Six, a group of Irish men falsely convicted for their supposed involvement in horrific IRA bombings on November 21, 1974, which tragically killed 21 innocents and injured 182 more at two Birmingham pubs.
Despite the overwhelming evidence of their innocence, including admissions of police brutality and unreliable forensic tests, Hill and his companions were sentenced to life imprisonment. The trial judge had claimed their convictions were based on “the clearest and most overwhelming evidence I have ever heard.” Such claims, and the subsequent denial of their appeals, only deepened the sense of injustice surrounding their cases.
Hill's determined spirit shone through the darkness of his wrongful conviction. Chris Mullin, the former MP who campaigned for their release, described Hill as the angriest and most articulate among the Birmingham Six. “He was at the heart of the prolonged efforts to clear the names of the men,” Mullin noted, emphasizing Hill’s pivotal role not just during their imprisonment but also throughout their eventual exoneration by the British Court of Appeal in 1991, after enduring 17 years behind bars.
Upon gaining his freedom, Hill did not retreat to the shadows but instead dedicated himself to supporting those who found themselves similarly ensnared by the justice system. He founded the Miscarriages of Justice Organisation (MOJO) in 2001, using part of his compensation to help others clear their names and providing practical assistance to the recently acquitted. MOJO has since helped several individuals wrongfully convicted like Hill.
Hill's commitment to justice was also illustrated through his frank autobiography, Forever Lost, Forever Gone, where he laid bare not just the injustices faced during his trial but also his own struggles leading up to it. Despite having had brushes with the law prior to his wrongful conviction, Hill emerged as “a significant force for good across our society,” as many would later reflect.
Known for his fiery speeches, Hill became renowned for his passionate public addresses, particularly one delivered at Free Derry Corner shortly after his release. “They are all rotten, rotten to the core,” he fumed, addressing the government, the police, and the judiciary, who he believed failed him and others like him. The crowd of nearly 5,000 cheered him on as he stood unrelenting against the state’s injustices. “They wouldn’t know the truth if it jumped up behind them and bit them on the arse,” he declared, capturing the hearts of those around him.
Yet, the anguish within Hill’s life was not solely centered on himself. His tenacity was instrumental when he connected with Julie Hambleton, whose sister had been one of the bomb victims. At their meeting, Paddy arrived with documents exposing the evidence kept from her, documents proving not just his innocence but exposing the cover-up surrounding the Birmingham bombings. “Paddy Hill was a great man,” Julie has since said, crediting him for igniting her own lifelong pursuit of justice.
Paddy Hill was not just fighting for his name; he fought for the recognition of wronged individuals across the UK. His work inspired many, and it shone light on the often-hidden challenges innocent people face after wrongful imprisonment. Dave Smith of the Blacklist Support Group reflected on the day the Birmingham Six were released, remembering it as a unifying moment for the working class. “The entire job closed up early, and went to the pub to celebrate. That’s how much ordinary working class people saw the release as a huge victory,” he recounted.
Paddy Hill's determination and unyielding spirit will undoubtedly echo through the walls of the institutions he challenged. The lessons learned from his experience continue to resonate, reinforcing the importance of vigilance against injustice. His legacy is not only one of suffering but of resilience and relentless pursuit of truth, inspiring future generations to stand against unfairness wherever it arises.