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Error of Judgement: The Birmingham Bombings and the Scandal That Shook Britain
'Very occasionally a journalist starts an avalanche with a single gunshot... Chris Mullin and his TV colleagues belong in the glorious company."
- The Observer
'One of the greatest feats ever achieved by an investigative reporter'
-Sebastian Faulks, the Independent on Sunday
'Whoever planted the bombs in Birmingham...also planted a bomb under the British legal establishment'
-Robert Harris, Sunday Times
Error of Judgment lit a fire under the establishment when it was first published, shattering the prosecution case against six Irishmen charged with the Birmingham Bombings and going on to change the course of British legal history.
On the evening of 21st November 1974, bombs planted by the IRA in two crowded Birmingham pubs exploded, killing 21 people and injuring at least 170. Within a day of the explosion, six men - Paddy Hill, Gerry Hunter, Richard McIlkenny, Billy Power, Johnny Walker and Hughie Callaghan - were arrested and charged. All were found guilty.
Methodically, with total clarity and a tone that is both gripping and impassioned, then investigative journalist Mullin unpicked every detail of the case, revealing gaping holes in the prosecution case and the horrifying consequences of an establishment determined to close ranks.
Now 50 years on from the Birmingham Bombings and with new writing from Mullin, this classic edition of Error of Judgement tells the complete story of one of the most significant miscarriages of justice ever. As relevant now as it was when it was first published, it's an essential text on corruption, violence and bias in British policing and justice.
- The Observer
'One of the greatest feats ever achieved by an investigative reporter'
-Sebastian Faulks, the Independent on Sunday
'Whoever planted the bombs in Birmingham...also planted a bomb under the British legal establishment'
-Robert Harris, Sunday Times
Error of Judgment lit a fire under the establishment when it was first published, shattering the prosecution case against six Irishmen charged with the Birmingham Bombings and going on to change the course of British legal history.
On the evening of 21st November 1974, bombs planted by the IRA in two crowded Birmingham pubs exploded, killing 21 people and injuring at least 170. Within a day of the explosion, six men - Paddy Hill, Gerry Hunter, Richard McIlkenny, Billy Power, Johnny Walker and Hughie Callaghan - were arrested and charged. All were found guilty.
Methodically, with total clarity and a tone that is both gripping and impassioned, then investigative journalist Mullin unpicked every detail of the case, revealing gaping holes in the prosecution case and the horrifying consequences of an establishment determined to close ranks.
Now 50 years on from the Birmingham Bombings and with new writing from Mullin, this classic edition of Error of Judgement tells the complete story of one of the most significant miscarriages of justice ever. As relevant now as it was when it was first published, it's an essential text on corruption, violence and bias in British policing and justice.
522 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2024
31 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Chris Mullin
52 books29 followersChris Mullin is the former MP for Sunderland South, a journalist and author. His books include the first volume of his acclaimed diaries, A View From the Foothills. He also wrote the thriller, A Very British Coup, with the television version winning BAFTA and Emmy awards. He was a minister in three departments, Environment, Transport and Regions, International Development and The Foreign Office.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 16, 2024
While I was aware of the case of the Birmingham six before reading, I had no idea about what had to happen for such a miscarriage of justice to take place.
Error of Judgement left me with two main takeaways. Firstly, the fragility of a justice system which on a superficial level exudes impartiality but ultimately can be as vulnerable to the emotion and hysteria of a mob.
Secondly, the importance of press freedom and dedicated journalism in a fair and open society. The result of which in this case led to the "humbling of one of the world's most arrogant legal systems".
Error of Judgement left me with two main takeaways. Firstly, the fragility of a justice system which on a superficial level exudes impartiality but ultimately can be as vulnerable to the emotion and hysteria of a mob.
Secondly, the importance of press freedom and dedicated journalism in a fair and open society. The result of which in this case led to the "humbling of one of the world's most arrogant legal systems".
February 21, 2024
A brilliant piece of reporting about one of the greatest travesty of British justice.
Not only were the bombings themselves a tragedy on a human level, with the amount of the dead and injured. Indeed this is still the biggest mass murder in British history.
What followed was a travesty of justice or lack of it. Six men who's only crime was the fact they were Irish were arrested and subjected to what can only be described as torture; which in a civilised society should not exist. They were not only the victims of corrupt police procedure, also of faulty forensic science and a Justice system that only thought was the protection of the British Establishment.
Rightly the people of Birmingham were angry about the bombings but were also victims of the frenzy whipped up by the courts, police and the press. These six men spent the best part of seventeen years in prison for a crime they did not commit and were left with physical and mental scars that they will bear for the rest of their lives. But thanks to Chris Mullin and others they were liberated, but were they free.
This was a book I loved, if that is the right word and I will certainly reread and I'm sure I will get even more out of it.
Not only were the bombings themselves a tragedy on a human level, with the amount of the dead and injured. Indeed this is still the biggest mass murder in British history.
What followed was a travesty of justice or lack of it. Six men who's only crime was the fact they were Irish were arrested and subjected to what can only be described as torture; which in a civilised society should not exist. They were not only the victims of corrupt police procedure, also of faulty forensic science and a Justice system that only thought was the protection of the British Establishment.
Rightly the people of Birmingham were angry about the bombings but were also victims of the frenzy whipped up by the courts, police and the press. These six men spent the best part of seventeen years in prison for a crime they did not commit and were left with physical and mental scars that they will bear for the rest of their lives. But thanks to Chris Mullin and others they were liberated, but were they free.
This was a book I loved, if that is the right word and I will certainly reread and I'm sure I will get even more out of it.
August 3, 2024
Can’t understand how I never got my hands on this before and glad I did now. What an outstanding piece of work, unbelievably really that it’s a true story.
March 5, 2024
In this gritty, shocking, detailed, fact heavy, impassioned, thought-provoking, and compelling piece of investigative journalism.
Chris presents a clear, factual, and unapologetic tru story of probably one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in our history. Showing unwavering courage, bravery, and tenacity as a freelance journalist with no resources. Despite facing a mountain of hostility from numerous media, legal and political outlets.
Chris does a great job of presenting the case. Unpicking and examining every detail of the 50+ years long fight for justice. Not just for the victims and their families who were caught up in that fateful November evening in 1974.
Highlighting the corruption, biased, violent, and totally inept police forces involved. Whose errors, assumptions, and arrogant tunnel visioned actions in order to hold someone accountable for the bombings. Resulted in totally innocent men and their families losing their lives and futures as they knew it.
He also shines a glaring spotlight on the gaping holes in the evidence. Including the obvious faults in the forensic science presented to a British Establishment whose only agenda was to protect itself. Rather than people it serves.
Delving into the immense and vast domino effects and consequences of the physical, mental, and emotional scars that still remain over 50 years after the event.
Even going so far at great cost to his own safety, in tracking down and aiming the real culprits behind the atrocity. Something that the very people who are paid to protect us wad unable and unwilling to do. Even now, despite the mountain of evidence. With a prosecutor stating there is insufficient evidence. Laughable, really. Considering the paltry 'evidence' that was presented in 1974!
This book is an outstanding piece of literature that showcases the incredible work of a very talented journalist with a moral compass that the British justice system and all those associated with this case in particular seem to lack!
Chris presents a clear, factual, and unapologetic tru story of probably one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in our history. Showing unwavering courage, bravery, and tenacity as a freelance journalist with no resources. Despite facing a mountain of hostility from numerous media, legal and political outlets.
Chris does a great job of presenting the case. Unpicking and examining every detail of the 50+ years long fight for justice. Not just for the victims and their families who were caught up in that fateful November evening in 1974.
Highlighting the corruption, biased, violent, and totally inept police forces involved. Whose errors, assumptions, and arrogant tunnel visioned actions in order to hold someone accountable for the bombings. Resulted in totally innocent men and their families losing their lives and futures as they knew it.
He also shines a glaring spotlight on the gaping holes in the evidence. Including the obvious faults in the forensic science presented to a British Establishment whose only agenda was to protect itself. Rather than people it serves.
Delving into the immense and vast domino effects and consequences of the physical, mental, and emotional scars that still remain over 50 years after the event.
Even going so far at great cost to his own safety, in tracking down and aiming the real culprits behind the atrocity. Something that the very people who are paid to protect us wad unable and unwilling to do. Even now, despite the mountain of evidence. With a prosecutor stating there is insufficient evidence. Laughable, really. Considering the paltry 'evidence' that was presented in 1974!
This book is an outstanding piece of literature that showcases the incredible work of a very talented journalist with a moral compass that the British justice system and all those associated with this case in particular seem to lack!
December 31, 2024
Informative read. A bit procedural - takes the reader through the night of the pub bombing, the Birmingham 6 who were arrested, their treatment by police and prison officials, and the subsequent trials and appeals. The most interesting parts of the book were when the author found and interviewed the men actually responsible for the bombing. Additionally, there was a clear conspiracy between the police and legal establishment to cover tracks and suppress evidence that could have cleared the 6 men. Recommend for someone interested in British legal history, with a dash of IRA flavor.
March 3, 2024
A must read!
March 23, 2024
A fascinating story of a horrible miscarriage of judgement. I do wish we had more in areas
April 8, 2024
Stunning research uncovers the truth.
The cops lied and beat up the 6 innocent men and the British justice system refused to acknowledge it's complicity for 17 years.
Great book.
The cops lied and beat up the 6 innocent men and the British justice system refused to acknowledge it's complicity for 17 years.
Great book.
August 3, 2024
Terrible stuff on all sides here
March 20, 2025
Couldn’t put this book down. A fantastic read yet also sickening insight into Police corruption and injustice.
May 6, 2025
Story of the wrongful convictions of the Birmingham Six but really about how corrupt detective work and the legal establishment could be, especially in the 70s and 80s.
July 13, 2025
A brilliant & shocking investigation into the numerous miscarriages of justice.
July 26, 2025
Account of injustice
Very depressing account of how the justice system can be manipulated. A bit long winded and self congratulatory. The criminals got away.
Very depressing account of how the justice system can be manipulated. A bit long winded and self congratulatory. The criminals got away.
August 14, 2025
Amazing accounts and detail of truly horrible events that happened in Birmingham at the time.
Extensive accounts of the trials and would highly recommend to people interested in the case.
Extensive accounts of the trials and would highly recommend to people interested in the case.
April 17, 2024
Whilst the facts are broadly known of the case of the Birmingham Six, this book presents the story in intricate detail.
The 1970’s saw some heinous actions by the IRA, to advance their cause and destabilise the country. I can't imagine the pressure on the authorities to resolve this, quickly.
But the behaviour and professional conduct of the Police during the investigation, is shocking and criminal.
This is a meticulously researched book, Chris Mullin delves into the harrowing events surrounding the Birmingham pub bombings and the subsequent trial. The book provides a candid and honest account of where things went awry, particularly during the legal proceedings for the six accused individuals.
Mullin’s involvement extends beyond mere documentation. He actively pursues the truth, challenging forensic evidence and relentlessly tracking down the real perpetrators. His dedication to righting the wrongs of the trial is reminiscent of the late Ludovic Kennedy’s unwavering commitment to justice.
The narrative unfolds, revealing the complexities of a case that shook Britain. Mullin’s journalistic prowess shines through as he dissects the events, shedding light on the errors made and the lives forever altered by tragedy.
The cost in human life for false imprisonment, legal fees and eventual compensation.
Essential reading.
The 1970’s saw some heinous actions by the IRA, to advance their cause and destabilise the country. I can't imagine the pressure on the authorities to resolve this, quickly.
But the behaviour and professional conduct of the Police during the investigation, is shocking and criminal.
This is a meticulously researched book, Chris Mullin delves into the harrowing events surrounding the Birmingham pub bombings and the subsequent trial. The book provides a candid and honest account of where things went awry, particularly during the legal proceedings for the six accused individuals.
Mullin’s involvement extends beyond mere documentation. He actively pursues the truth, challenging forensic evidence and relentlessly tracking down the real perpetrators. His dedication to righting the wrongs of the trial is reminiscent of the late Ludovic Kennedy’s unwavering commitment to justice.
The narrative unfolds, revealing the complexities of a case that shook Britain. Mullin’s journalistic prowess shines through as he dissects the events, shedding light on the errors made and the lives forever altered by tragedy.
The cost in human life for false imprisonment, legal fees and eventual compensation.
Essential reading.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews