Raphael Rowe - Notorious

I spent 12 years in prison for crimes I did not commit. The only reason I am here now and able to share my story with you is because I never stopped fighting to prove my innocence.

Eventually, I won and my convictions were overturned by the Court of Appeal in 2000. I was free...but changed forever. I knew, first hand, what injustice felt like, looked like and what prison can do to a human being.

I am scarred by my life experience but I have not allowed it to hold me back.

This is my story.

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Notorious by Raphael Rowe

As told to Chris Day

Creative Director Alexandra Truta

2021 Raphael Rowe

ISBN 978-1-913623-37-1 International Edition

All rights reserved

No portion of this work can be copied in any way without the prior written permission of the publisher.

The right of Raphael Rowe to be recognised as the author of this work has been asserted by him in accordance with the Designs and Copyrights Act 1988 Section 77.

Printed in the UK by 4Edge

Front cover photo: Amit & Naroop

Book Design

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

I am a serving police officer and your documentaries have really hit home and have really given me an insight into what its like from the point of view of an offender. Tony, UK

How you make us think between the argument of punishment versus rehabilitation of inmates is incredible. I really appreciate the rawness and I have so much respect for you. Lent, South Africa

Another inmate I met and befriended was Raphael Rowe. He was a good looking half caste with dreadlocks whod been convicted of the M25 murders along with some others. He showed me the papers regarding his case and also talked to me about it i was convinced beyond any shadow of a doubt that he was innocent of the crime. It was blatantly clear that he was fitted up by the police. The witnesses in the case gave descriptions of white male perpetrators yet Raphael was still convicted. He was later freed on appeal.
Reggie Kray In A Way of Life

Your work on Worlds Toughest Prisons has totally changed my perspective. I want to get involved with advocating change and rehabilitation like you saw in Norway! Thank you for asking hard questions and being so inspirational! Marco, Norway

The insight into different reform systems in different countries is insane. You are one of the best presenters Ive ever seen. Patricia, Scotland

The documentaries you do are a breath of fresh air offering a unique insight into prison life all over the world, so powerful and fascinating to watch. Marianne, France

What an amazing and eye opening experience you have gone through and shared with us, the audience. Its so intriguing and shocking at the same time. The fact that you were wrongfully accused and sent to 12 years in prison and that you are willing to go into the worlds toughest prisons and give us a first hand glimpse and experience in that world is just astounding. Rachel, England

I just finished the Brazil episode when they asked you if you ever wanted to stop living during your imprisonment and you said no so quickly, that was a moment so inspiring for me that itll hopefully be etched in my mind forever. Natalia, Brazil

Thank you for showing what a fighter you are. Thank you for being an educator, both in the prison systems and cultures around the world, but also in the mindset you possess and we all should try to achieve. Benny, USA

Thank you for documenting and questioning the truth behind bars and the penitentiary systems around the globe. Its sad that it doesnt get that much attention by governments and the public in general. Mila, Brazil

Raphael Rowe is like nobody Ive ever met before. His journalism and storytelling skills are brilliant. He comes with a unique perspective and is a real leader. He was a brilliant mentor to me when we worked together and I always feel a sense of pride whenever I see the stories he works on. He helped instil in me a sense of making sure that whatever I work on, in whatever field, it has to be about making people think differently. Thats exactly what he does.
Dhruti Shah BBC journalist and author of Bear Markets and Beyond

I hired Raphael to make films for Panorama and later for The One Show which is proof of his range. He is a story-getter, an authentic voice and passionate about getting the journalism right. He has much more to offer than we have seen so far on screen and not just because of his remarkable back story Sandy Smith, Editor, BBC The One Show

Raphael Rowe was a unique voice among the reporters on Panorama championing his own ideas with both passion and commitment. He was the driving force behind a string of sharp and timely investigations on environmental issues. He has also reported with great flair and clarity on the criminal justice system. He is a talented story spotter and was alone among the Panorama reporters in achieving a near 100% hit rate for getting his own ideas to air. Frank Simmonds, Deputy Editor, Panorama

Raphael is a first class investigative journalist reporting for a range of BBC outlets including the six Oclock News and the Today Programme BBC

Raphael is very very sharp, very bright. He has a terrific insight into all kinds of situations. As a victim of the justice system and its iniquities he is able to fill us in on the things we tend not to be good at. He knows a lot. He has a quite different angle from all our staff who come from middle class backgrounds.
Rod Liddle

Raphael Rowe served 12 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. He is now a reporter and an extraordinarily good one. He learned the job astonishly quickly. He writes with great grace and integrity and he has an impeccable news sense. And he has that hunger for a story which characterizes all the best reporters.
Newstatesman

Those struggling to get a foothold in the ever more competitive world of journalism can take solace from the story of BBC Panorama reporter Raphael Rowe
Press Gazette

Raphael, dont let the Daily Mail get to you everyone says youre doing a great Job.
Greg Dyke Director BBC

Hey Mr. Rowe, I have seen all your work on Netflix and recently watched the JaackMaate podcast. I just wanted to reach out and tell you I am inspired by your story and cant wait for more of your content. I appreciate your realism and authenticity in a time when it is increasingly hard to find. Your fan Craig

Raphaels contribution to Moving on Up is compelling and inspirational
Sarah Brown wife of Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown

I cant believe you went through what you did and somehow became the man you are. Ive been so intrigued about your story and how the country and the justice system let this happen. Reggie, Australia

I have to say, the first time I watched the trailer for Inside the worlds toughest prisons I cant say I was too eager to click on it but boy am I glad I did. I have watched the entire series in one day and am overwhelmed and shocked at what I have seen. This is some amazing journalism. Mark, New Zealand

The hope you must give to the people you meet in jail who may be innocent is breathtaking. Amazing work you do. Lisa, Australia

I literally tell EVERYONE about this series. Any Netflix conversation Im in I recommend it, and have never heard a negative review. Thank you for shedding light on that life. Donna, USA

What you do is so important! Thank you for speaking the truth. Nobody should ever be silenced. Elisabeth, USA