Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford The Night of the Mugger
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Jan 31, 2025 In a gripping tale of innocence, the story follows Winston Trew, wrongfully arrested for a crime he didn't commit. Set in 1970s London, it reveals the intersection of personal ambition and rising crime, alongside the tumultuous effects of sensationalist media. Themes of police corruption and racial tension unfold, exposing the flaws in the justice system. Amidst societal panic over crime, this narrative serves as a cautionary reflection on trust and the consequences of wrongful accusations.
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The Oval 4
- Winston Trew and his friends, members of the British Black Power movement, were wrongly arrested for mugging in 1972.
- Despite their innocence and a witness who corroborated their story, they were convicted based on fabricated evidence and a forced confession.
Media-Fueled Panic
- Media coverage of muggings in 1970s London fueled public fear and distorted perceptions of crime.
- Sensationalized stories about "mugging" and its origins in America created a moral panic.
The Garrotting Panic
- In 1862 London, a similar panic arose around "garrotting," a perceived new form of street robbery.
- This fear led to vigilante justice and harsh, ultimately unnecessary legislation.
