Paddy Hill, a member of the Birmingham Six, has died at 80, leaving behind a legacy of fighting for justice for the wrongfully convicted.
Birmingham: Paddy Hill, who was part of the Birmingham Six, has sadly passed away at 80. He was one of the most recognized faces in this tragic story of wrongful conviction.
The bombings that led to his arrest happened on November 21, 1974, in two busy pubs. A warning call came in just minutes before the explosions, but it was too late. The blasts killed 21 people and injured many more.
After the bombings, Hill and five others were arrested while waiting to board a ferry to Belfast. They were all Irish and had republican ties, which made them prime suspects in the eyes of the police.
During their time in custody, Hill and the others faced severe abuse. Hill described horrific treatment, including threats to his life. Despite this, he and one other man refused to sign confessions, while others did under duress.
The trial in 1975 was a sham, with shaky evidence and coerced confessions. Despite pleading not guilty, they were found guilty and sentenced to life. For years, they fought to clear their names, but it was an uphill battle.
In 1991, after a long struggle, their convictions were finally quashed. Hill’s life after prison was tough. He dealt with trauma and personal loss, including a divorce and strained family relationships.
He wrote a memoir in 1996 and continued to advocate for justice until his passing. In 2014, he called for a public inquiry into the bombings, seeking accountability for the tragedy.
In his later years, Hill found some peace, marrying Tara Babel and settling on a farm. His legacy will live on through his work and the lives he touched.
