Talk:Stefan Kiszko

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I was a member of the West Yorkshire Police Authority (WYPA) 1985-2003, Labour Group Whip & Secretary 1985-1996 and WYPA Chair 1997-2002. I remember the Stefan Kiszko case very well and the Authority's Complaints Committee (its then title) spent many meetings examining the case. All Police Authority members (of all political parties and none) were appalled at this miscarriage of justice and the Authority demanded of the then Home Secretary that there be a full public inquiry into what had gone wrong (this was rejected).

Months before Stefan was released, Paul Whitehouse, then West Yorkshire Deputy Chief Constable (and later to become Chief Constable of Sussex) told me, in exasperation, that Kiszko was completely innocent but that the Home Office would not authorise his release (I think it would have involved loss of face on their part). Eventually, of course, he was released. Neither Stefan nor his mother - they were both absolutely devoted to each other - lived for long afterwards. An absolute, terrible tragedy and a disgrace to the English judicial system.

I have always been opposed to capital punishment, but at an earlier time in British history - or even now in so-called civilised countries like the USA, Kiszko would have been executed. The tragic case of Stefan Kiszko should make everyone responsible for his wrongful conviction hang their heads in shame.

Councillor Neil Taggart Member, Leeds City Council since 1980 Member, West Yorkshire Police Authority 1985-2003

neil.taggart@leeds.gov.uk