Sally Clark

Sally Clark was a British solicitor who became the subject of a high-profile miscarriage of justice. Her case is notable for its impact on the legal and medical communities, particularly concerning the use of expert testimony in court.

Early Life and Career

Sally Clark was born in 1964 in Devon, England. She pursued a career in law, eventually becoming a solicitor. She was married to Stephen Clark, and the couple had two sons, Christopher and Harry.

The Case

In 1999, Sally Clark was convicted of the murder of her two infant sons, Christopher and Harry, who died suddenly within a short period of each other. The prosecution's case relied heavily on the testimony of Sir Roy Meadow, a prominent pediatrician, who argued that the likelihood of two natural unexplained infant deaths in the same family was extremely low.

Expert Testimony

The conviction was largely based on statistical evidence provided by Sir Roy Meadow, who claimed that the probability of two sudden infant deaths in an affluent family was 1 in 73 million. This statistic was later criticized for being misleading and incorrect.

Appeals and Acquittal

Sally Clark's conviction was upheld in her first appeal in 2000. However, in 2003, her case was reviewed again, and new medical evidence was presented. It was revealed that crucial medical evidence had been withheld from the defense, which could have suggested natural causes for the deaths of her children.

In January 2003, Sally Clark's conviction was quashed by the Court of Appeal, and she was released from prison after serving more than three years.

Impact and Legacy

The case of Sally Clark had a significant impact on the legal and medical fields. It led to a re-evaluation of the use of expert testimony in court, particularly in cases involving Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The case also highlighted the importance of full disclosure of evidence by the prosecution.

The General Medical Council later found Sir Roy Meadow guilty of serious professional misconduct, although this decision was overturned on appeal.

Later Life and Death

After her release, Sally Clark struggled with the aftermath of her wrongful conviction, including mental health issues. She died in 2007 at the age of 42.

Related Pages

• Miscarriage of justice
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
• Expert witness
• Roy Meadow