Could you spot a miscarriage of justice? Live crime investigation experience comes to Preston

A free live crime investigation experience exploring how forensic evidence is used in real cases — and how miscarriages of justice can happen — is coming to Preston in May, delivered by the award-winning charity Inside Justice and supported by the Shoosmiths Foundation.

Access Unlocked invites audiences to step inside the investigative process alongside forensic specialists and crime experts. The immersive event places attendees in the role of investigators as they examine evidence, consider investigative tactics and debate whether a suspect should be charged based on the information presented.

The experience is led by forensic expert Jo Millington and ex police intelligence analyst Sam Robins, alongside a team of specialists who have featured in programmes including Conviction – Murder at the Station, Murder in Suburbia on Netflix and Wrongly Accused on ITV.

Jo Millington said: “What people see in true-crime dramas is rarely how cases really unfold. Access Unlocked allows audiences to examine evidence carefully, challenge assumptions and experience the kinds of decisions that can make or break a real investigation.”

There will be two Access Unlocked events in Preston, one in the afternoon and again in the evening. Audiences will follow the development of a criminal case as evidence is presented and analysed. Participants will learn how forensic evidence is gathered, interpreted and challenged, and how investigative decisions can influence outcomes in the justice system.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet experts involved in some of the country’s most notable police investigations, examine forensic evidence up close and learn more about how Inside Justice reviews cases. A question-and-answer session with the investigation team will follow the live case presentation and a prize draw to help raise funds for the charity.

Designed to appeal to legal professionals, forensic scientists, police officers, students, true crime enthusiasts and members of the public, the event invites audiences to engage directly with the complexities of evidence, investigation and decision-making within the criminal justice system.

Chair of the Shoosmiths Foundation Grants Committee, Max Finney said: “We funded the Access Unlocked events as we are clear in our view on miscarriages of justice. When they happen, the consequences are profound - for individuals, for families and for confidence in the justice system. We’re delighted to be coming to Preston to bring Access Unlocked to professionals, students and the public into that process so they can think critically about the systems that shape people’s lives and unlocks clearly more information about the criminal justice system.”

The event also highlights the work of Inside Justice, a charity that investigates potential miscarriages of justice and supports individuals and families affected by wrongful convictions. The organisation works with a network of pro-bono lawyers, forensic scientists and academic partners to review cases where evidence may have been missed, misunderstood or never examined.

The Access Unlocked live crime investigation events take place at Preston Guild Hall on May 13th.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/behind-the-scenes-of-a-criminal-investigation-with-inside-justice-preston-tickets-1986986152069