Erwin James

Erwin James, full name Erwin James Monahan (born 1957) is a convicted murderer and Guardian journalist. James was released in August 2004 having served 20 years of a life sentence. While in prison he wrote a regular column, and continues to write as well as do charity work since his release. While in prison he did not receive fees for his articles; instead the fees were paid to the charity, the Prisoners' Advice Service, which had helped him.

Background

For the majority of the time during which James wrote for the paper, the circumstances leading to his arrest and conviction were not revealed. In April 2009 his full name became public. James had been convicted alongside his co-accused William Ross of murdering theatrical agent Greville Hallam and solicitor Angus Cochran in 1982. Hallam was found strangled in his home in London. Cochran died in a separate incident (which took place three months later) after being mugged.

Convictions

James and Ross both pleaded not guilty to murder on both charges, each blaming the other for the killings. Another man implicated in the murders, Paul Dunwell, avoided prosecution by agreeing to give evidence for the prosecution against the pair. James and Ross were found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment. William Ross was released from prison to a hostel in March 2014.