When ruthless drug baron John Haase was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment for heroin-trafficking in 1995, it was a major victory for customs and the police. But in a shocking move, after Haase and his partner Paul Bennett had served only 11 months, then Home Secretary Michael Howard signed a Royal Pardon for their release; defending his decision by claiming that Haase and Bennett had become invaluable informants. Using interviews with Haase at Whitemoor prison and as well as a copy of his sworn affidavit, this account reveals the truth behind the Royal Pardon scandal, complete with allegations of huge bribes, mass fabrication of evidence, and dark powers at the heart of the justice system. Included is the story of how Haase had in fact duped the authorities, and far from being forced into hiding as an informant, he had gained new kudos among the criminal underworld for so audaciously beating the system.
