In 1962 Joe Orton and Kenneth Halliwell were sentenced to six months imprisonment for stealing and ‘maliciously’ defacing Islington Library books. This Friday evening Islington Museum is hosting a retrial of the court case. The case made national headlines but was the sentence too long and was there a miscarriage of justice? Orton later suggested that the lengthy sentence was given because “we were queers”.
The retrial will examine facts presented in the original case but will apply modern day criminal procedures. Practising legal professionals, including criminal lawyers and a circuit judge, will contribute to the evening’s debate. Members of the audience will be invited to voice their thoughts about this still controversial case.
Where: Islington Museum
When: Friday 27 January, 6.30-8pm
How much: Free but arrive early to get a seat!
To find out more about the event click here.
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