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82
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Jessica
01/09/2025
Criminology
Unit 3 Criminology Case studies
4,131
•
1 Sept 2025
•
Jessica
@jessica05x
The Unit 3 criminology case studies detailed analysiscovers several... Show more
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The Damilola Taylor case involved the tragic killing of a 10-year-old Nigerian boy in London in 2000. This section examines the challenges faced in solving the crime and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Damilola Taylor was fatally stabbed on November 27, 2000, while walking home from a library in Peckham, London. CCTV footage captured him walking home around 5 PM. He was found bleeding heavily in a stairwell after receiving a gash to his left thigh that severed an artery. Despite efforts to save him, Damilola died in the hospital.
Highlight: The case took six years and three trials before the correct suspects were finally convicted, largely due to errors in forensic analysis.
The initial investigation and prosecution were plagued by problems:
Example: The Damilola Taylor case summary witness issues highlight the challenges of relying on eyewitness testimony in criminal cases, especially involving child witnesses.
Despite these setbacks, Damilola's parents continued to fight for justice. Their persistence paid off in 2005 when new forensic evidence came to light. Two brothers, aged 12 and 13 at the time of the killing, were charged and ultimately convicted of manslaughter in 2006.
Vocabulary: Manslaughter is a legal term for killing someone unlawfully but without the intent required for murder.
The convicted killers were sentenced to 8 years in youth custody but were released early in 2010 and 2011. This case underscores the importance of thorough and accurate forensic analysis, the challenges of prosecuting juvenile offenders, and the critical role of persistence in achieving justice.
Definition: Youth custody refers to secure accommodation for young offenders, separate from adult prison facilities.
The Damilola Taylor Timeline spans from his death in 2000 to the final convictions in 2006, illustrating the complex and prolonged nature of some criminal investigations.
The Sally Clark case is a stark example of miscarriage of justice in the UK legal system. This section examines how flawed expert testimony and withheld evidence led to the wrongful conviction of an innocent mother for infanticide.
Sally Clark, a solicitor born in 1964, was wrongfully convicted of murdering her two infant sons. The tragic events unfolded as follows:
During her trial, the defense argued that both children had died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). However, the prosecution's expert witness, Professor Sir Roy Meadow, presented statistical evidence claiming the chance of two SIDS deaths in the same family was 1 in 73 million.
Highlight: The flawed statistical evidence presented by Professor Meadow played a crucial role in Sally Clark's wrongful conviction.
In November 1999, Clark was convicted and given a mandatory life sentence. Her conviction was initially upheld on appeal in October 2000. However, a second appeal in January 2003 finally overturned the conviction, and Clark was released after serving three years in prison.
Quote: The court found that the forensic pathologist in the case "failed to disclose microbiological reports" that could have supported Clark's innocence.
The case highlights several critical issues in the criminal justice system:
Example: The Sally Clark case led to reviews of other convictions based on similar expert testimony, resulting in several other overturned convictions.
This case serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating impact wrongful convictions can have on individuals and families, and the critical importance of rigorous, unbiased expert testimony in criminal trials.
The page examines cases of wrongful convictions, including Sally Clark and Angela Cannings, highlighting the importance of proper forensic evidence handling.
Quote: "Sally Clark later developed psychiatric problems due to the experience and she died of alcohol poisoning in 2007."
Highlight: The cases led to reviews of hundreds of similar convictions, resulting in additional overturned verdicts.
This section covers the Barry George case and introduces the Amanda Knox investigation involving the murder of Meredith Kercher.
Highlight: Barry George was denied £1.4 million compensation despite wrongful imprisonment because he couldn't prove innocence.
Example: The forensic evidence regarding gunshot residue was deemed inadmissible as 1 in 100 people could have such residue on their clothing.
Details the famous OJ Simpson murder trial and the events leading to his arrest.
Quote: "The 'escape' was televised live nationally and hundreds of Simpson's fans lined the streets in support of him."
Highlight: The case became one of the most publicized criminal trials in history.
The Rachel Nickell case involved the brutal murder of a young mother in 1992 on Wimbledon Common in London. This section examines the flawed police investigation that initially focused on an innocent man, Colin Stagg, before the real killer was identified years later.
Rachel Nickell was stabbed to death and sexually assaulted in front of her 2-year-old son on July 15, 1992. The police investigation quickly centered on Colin Stagg as a suspect, despite a lack of concrete evidence linking him to the crime.
Highlight: The police used highly controversial tactics to try to elicit a confession from Stagg, including an undercover "honey trap" operation.
An undercover female officer, codenamed "Lizzie James," engaged in months of correspondence and phone calls with Stagg, attempting to manipulate him into confessing. When this failed, she even described a fictional violent crime scenario to him, hoping it would prompt a confession. Stagg expressed disgust at the scenario rather than admitting guilt.
Vocabulary: A honey trap is an investigative tactic where an agent enters a romantic or sexual relationship with a suspect to gather information or elicit a confession.
Despite Stagg's continued denials, he was charged with Nickell's murder based largely on fitting a vague description and having been present in the area on the day of the crime. However, the judge threw out the case, ruling the undercover evidence inadmissible and criticizing the police for "excessive zeal" and "deceptive conduct of the grossest kind."
Quote: The judge stated the police had engaged in "deceptive conduct of the grossest kind" in their pursuit of Stagg.
Though freed, Stagg's life was severely impacted by the false accusation. He struggled to find employment and lived under suspicion for years. It wasn't until 2008 that the true killer, Robert Napper, was identified and admitted to Nickell's murder.
Example: As compensation for his ordeal, Colin Stagg received £706,000 from the Home Office in 2008, along with an apology from Scotland Yard.
The case highlights serious issues with police investigative tactics, the dangers of tunnel vision in investigations, and the lasting impact of wrongful accusations on innocent individuals.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
App Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Jessica
@jessica05x
The Unit 3 criminology case studies detailed analysis covers several high-profile criminal cases including the Rachel Nickell murder, Damilola Taylor case, and other notable investigations that highlight various aspects of criminal justice.
Key aspects include:
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Improve your grades
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Damilola Taylor case involved the tragic killing of a 10-year-old Nigerian boy in London in 2000. This section examines the challenges faced in solving the crime and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Damilola Taylor was fatally stabbed on November 27, 2000, while walking home from a library in Peckham, London. CCTV footage captured him walking home around 5 PM. He was found bleeding heavily in a stairwell after receiving a gash to his left thigh that severed an artery. Despite efforts to save him, Damilola died in the hospital.
Highlight: The case took six years and three trials before the correct suspects were finally convicted, largely due to errors in forensic analysis.
The initial investigation and prosecution were plagued by problems:
Example: The Damilola Taylor case summary witness issues highlight the challenges of relying on eyewitness testimony in criminal cases, especially involving child witnesses.
Despite these setbacks, Damilola's parents continued to fight for justice. Their persistence paid off in 2005 when new forensic evidence came to light. Two brothers, aged 12 and 13 at the time of the killing, were charged and ultimately convicted of manslaughter in 2006.
Vocabulary: Manslaughter is a legal term for killing someone unlawfully but without the intent required for murder.
The convicted killers were sentenced to 8 years in youth custody but were released early in 2010 and 2011. This case underscores the importance of thorough and accurate forensic analysis, the challenges of prosecuting juvenile offenders, and the critical role of persistence in achieving justice.
Definition: Youth custody refers to secure accommodation for young offenders, separate from adult prison facilities.
The Damilola Taylor Timeline spans from his death in 2000 to the final convictions in 2006, illustrating the complex and prolonged nature of some criminal investigations.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Sally Clark case is a stark example of miscarriage of justice in the UK legal system. This section examines how flawed expert testimony and withheld evidence led to the wrongful conviction of an innocent mother for infanticide.
Sally Clark, a solicitor born in 1964, was wrongfully convicted of murdering her two infant sons. The tragic events unfolded as follows:
During her trial, the defense argued that both children had died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). However, the prosecution's expert witness, Professor Sir Roy Meadow, presented statistical evidence claiming the chance of two SIDS deaths in the same family was 1 in 73 million.
Highlight: The flawed statistical evidence presented by Professor Meadow played a crucial role in Sally Clark's wrongful conviction.
In November 1999, Clark was convicted and given a mandatory life sentence. Her conviction was initially upheld on appeal in October 2000. However, a second appeal in January 2003 finally overturned the conviction, and Clark was released after serving three years in prison.
Quote: The court found that the forensic pathologist in the case "failed to disclose microbiological reports" that could have supported Clark's innocence.
The case highlights several critical issues in the criminal justice system:
Example: The Sally Clark case led to reviews of other convictions based on similar expert testimony, resulting in several other overturned convictions.
This case serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating impact wrongful convictions can have on individuals and families, and the critical importance of rigorous, unbiased expert testimony in criminal trials.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The page examines cases of wrongful convictions, including Sally Clark and Angela Cannings, highlighting the importance of proper forensic evidence handling.
Quote: "Sally Clark later developed psychiatric problems due to the experience and she died of alcohol poisoning in 2007."
Highlight: The cases led to reviews of hundreds of similar convictions, resulting in additional overturned verdicts.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
This section covers the Barry George case and introduces the Amanda Knox investigation involving the murder of Meredith Kercher.
Highlight: Barry George was denied £1.4 million compensation despite wrongful imprisonment because he couldn't prove innocence.
Example: The forensic evidence regarding gunshot residue was deemed inadmissible as 1 in 100 people could have such residue on their clothing.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Details the famous OJ Simpson murder trial and the events leading to his arrest.
Quote: "The 'escape' was televised live nationally and hundreds of Simpson's fans lined the streets in support of him."
Highlight: The case became one of the most publicized criminal trials in history.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Rachel Nickell case involved the brutal murder of a young mother in 1992 on Wimbledon Common in London. This section examines the flawed police investigation that initially focused on an innocent man, Colin Stagg, before the real killer was identified years later.
Rachel Nickell was stabbed to death and sexually assaulted in front of her 2-year-old son on July 15, 1992. The police investigation quickly centered on Colin Stagg as a suspect, despite a lack of concrete evidence linking him to the crime.
Highlight: The police used highly controversial tactics to try to elicit a confession from Stagg, including an undercover "honey trap" operation.
An undercover female officer, codenamed "Lizzie James," engaged in months of correspondence and phone calls with Stagg, attempting to manipulate him into confessing. When this failed, she even described a fictional violent crime scenario to him, hoping it would prompt a confession. Stagg expressed disgust at the scenario rather than admitting guilt.
Vocabulary: A honey trap is an investigative tactic where an agent enters a romantic or sexual relationship with a suspect to gather information or elicit a confession.
Despite Stagg's continued denials, he was charged with Nickell's murder based largely on fitting a vague description and having been present in the area on the day of the crime. However, the judge threw out the case, ruling the undercover evidence inadmissible and criticizing the police for "excessive zeal" and "deceptive conduct of the grossest kind."
Quote: The judge stated the police had engaged in "deceptive conduct of the grossest kind" in their pursuit of Stagg.
Though freed, Stagg's life was severely impacted by the false accusation. He struggled to find employment and lived under suspicion for years. It wasn't until 2008 that the true killer, Robert Napper, was identified and admitted to Nickell's murder.
Example: As compensation for his ordeal, Colin Stagg received £706,000 from the Home Office in 2008, along with an apology from Scotland Yard.
The case highlights serious issues with police investigative tactics, the dangers of tunnel vision in investigations, and the lasting impact of wrongful accusations on innocent individuals.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
App Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user