While still in his teens Michael was arrested and wrongfully convicted of a series of robberies, attacks and a murder. A gang of three men (two white and one black) committed these crimes in December 1988, yet all three convicted were black or mixed race. Davis pleaded guilty to separate robberies. The key prosecution witnesses were accomplices – at least one of whom was a police informer who had received a substantial reward.
That information was not disclosed at trial or appeal. Davis and co-accused Raphael Rowe, later to become a successful television reporter took their case to the European Court of Human Rights. Armed with the new information the Criminal Cases Review Commission referred the case back and all three convictions (Randolph Johnson had also been convicted) were quashed by the appeal court in 2000.
Since his release Michael has represented England at Tae Kwon Do,1 most recently at the World Championships in Jamaica where he won two silver medals. He also teaches the sport to all ages. He has a life-long interest in music – his song Innocent which he performed became an anthem at injustice meetings. He lives in London with his wife and two children. He is an enthusiastic supporter of the Fitted-In Project.
1 For further information see https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006585107391&ref=ts&fref=ts