Trew’s law launch forces automatic review of convictions linked to jailed officers
The proposal announced at Lambeth Town Hall would trigger an independent review of any case involving a police officer sentenced to custody, aiming to prevent further miscarriages of justice.
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The campaign for Trew’s law was introduced on Thursday night at Lambeth Town Hall, where supporters gathered to press for a statutory trigger that would compel an immediate, independent review of any case linked to a police officer who has been convicted of a crime and sentenced to imprisonment.
Background to the proposal
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The law is named after Winston Trew, whose own convictions were overturned in 2019 after a half‑century of legal battles. Trew, who works with the miscarriage of justice charity Appeal, said his experience illustrates the need for a systematic safeguard.
The force’s failure to review Ridgewell’s past cases is simply inexcusable.
Lucy D’Orsi, chief constable, British Transport Police
Lucy D’Orsi’s comment, reported by the Guardian, reflects a broader criticism that the current system leaves review of an officer’s past conduct to discretionary decisions, often lacking transparency.
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Details of Trew’s law
Under the draft legislation, once a police officer is sentenced, a dedicated panel would be alerted to assess whether the officer’s testimony or evidence was material to any prior convictions. If a material risk is identified, the affected individuals would be notified and provided with relevant disclosure to seek legal advice. The proposal also calls for a national register to record custodial sentences handed to officers, a feature absent from current practice.
Dr Joanna Gilmore of the University of York, co‑author of the report, said the existing CPS guidance only recommends a review when a witness is later discredited, but does not require it. Dr Mattia Pinto added that innocent lives continue to be ruined because the law does not mandate an automatic check.
Political response
The Ministry of Justice has been approached for comment but had not responded at the time of publishing. Advocates argue that parliamentary approval is essential before the law can be enacted, and that the proposal could set a precedent for handling future disclosures about police misconduct.
Next steps
If the government decides to sponsor the bill, it will be debated in Parliament later this year. Should the legislation pass, the independent review panel would be established within six months, and the national register of sentenced officers would be operational shortly thereafter.
Questions this report answers
+What does Trew’s law require?
Trew’s law would require an automatic, independent review of any conviction that depended on a police officer who has been sentenced to custody. The review would assess material risk and notify affected individuals, giving them disclosure to obtain legal advice.
+Who launched the proposal and where?
The proposal was launched by the miscarriage of justice charity Appeal, together with campaigners, at a public event in Lambeth Town Hall on Thursday 8 September 2026. The launch aimed to pressure the government into drafting the legislation.
+How many officers have been sentenced recently?
Research cited in the report found that between 2023 and 2026 at least 64 current or former police officers received immediate custodial sentences for serious dishonesty, physical or sexual violence, or abuse of position.
+What happens after the launch?
The proposal now awaits a response from the Ministry of Justice. If the department supports the bill, it will be introduced to Parliament, debated, and potentially passed into law, after which an independent review panel and a national register would be set up.
News London Desk
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