Criminal justice charities have praised Action for Children’s chief executive after he discussed his past murder conviction in an interview with a national newspaper.
In an interview with the Telegraph, Paul Carberry spoke in detail about the incident, which happened in 1979 when he was 16-years-old.
He described serving a five-and-a-half year term, after stabbing John Murray to death on a train taking Scottish football fans to London for a match against England at Wembley.
Carberry, who was promoted to his current position in March, said Action for Children, its royal patrons and the Charity Commission were aware of his murder conviction upon his appointment.
“I’ve never tried to hide it. I’ve never spoken in public about it, but I’ve told who needed to know – ministers, government officials, the Royal Foundation, the Charity Commission. The royals knew before my appointment was made public,” he said.
“It’s on my record and it will always be on my record. But I’ve always tried to be respectful. I always knew that someone didn’t have a son because of me.”
Carberry added: “It’s something that I regret every day of my life.”
Criminal justice charities: ‘People are more than their past’
Penelope Gibbs, director at Transform Justice, said in response to the article: “Paul Carberry committed a terrible act which he regrets deeply.
“His life shows that, with support, people can rehabilitate and help others avoid crime and fulfil their potential. It is heartening that people like the Royal Family have supported him to give back to society. People are more than their past.”
Jo Easton, Unlock’s acting chief executive, said Carberry’s story demonstrates that when employers are able to look past someone’s conviction and see the skills, experience and potential someone brings to a role, “that person can go on to do great things”.
“Many employers would instantly reject someone with a conviction like Mr Carberry’s, and prevent them from working with or supporting young people,” she said.
“But in fact his time in prison gave him insight into how often it is the most vulnerable children with traumatic histories who end up in prison, if they are not given the right support.
“We would encourage charities and other employers to see the person, not just their past.”
Action for Children: ‘Paul has helped support thousands of children’
In response to previous coverage in May, Action for Children published a statement confirming it appointed Carberry as CEO “in the full knowledge of his past”.
Chair Sarika Patel said: “He joined Action for Children as a project manager almost 30 years ago in 1994, never hiding his past.
“Throughout his career, Paul has helped support thousands of children and young people including those who have been involved in crime, helping many find jobs, avoid criminal exploitation and reach their full potential.”
Action for Children told Civil Society it did not wish to comment further on the Telegraph piece.
Carberry became Action for Children’s first permanent CEO in three years when he took over from interim chief executive Melanie Armstrong in March.
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