The Kelso Cochrane Legacy Project are launching this crowd funder on 26 September 2026 which is Kelso's 100th Birthday, we are seeking support to continue the family's pursuit of justice.

Kelso Cochrane was only 32 years old when he was brutally murdered in North Kensington on 17 May 1959. His death was racially motivated, yet for decades, justice has been denied. After reviewing the criminal investigation file stored at the National Archives, the Kelso Cochrane Legacy project, led by members of Kelso's family and the North Kensington community seeks a long overdue apology from the Metropolitan Police Service for its failures to secure justice for Kelso and his family.

In April 2024, we gained access to the police investigation files, which had originally been closed until 1 January 2054. What we uncovered is deeply troubling: evidence shows that the police were aware of the identity of Kelso's murderer and his accomplices. Specifically, the file states the police “strongly suspected” two key suspects, Patrick Digby and John Breagan, and believed that they were responsible for Kelso’s murder. The police denied a racial motive for the attack and there were multiple investigative failures, including:

• Placing Breagan and Digby in adjacent cells whilst detained before their police interviews, enabling them to straighten out their stories before questioning.
• Failing to search Digby’s residence.
• Failing to hold an ID parade.
• Destroying Kelso’s clothing in 1968, preventing any chance of future identification of his killer on the basis of DNA testing. 
• Leaking damaging and false information about Kelso.

The criminal investigation file, and independent investigation of Kelso’s case, shows the police actively protected the suspects and suppressed vital information, denying Kelso’s family the justice they deserve.

In 2024 our legal team at Hickman Rose successfully challenged the National Archives’ closure of the files. The files revealed that by 1959 police had concluded that it was “unlikely any prosecution will be made in the case” and the investigation was effectively closed, in 1968 police destroyed Kelso’s clothing. Despite this, the police have failed to apologise or provide adequate answers to Kelso’s family and the community.

This campaign seeks to:

• Obtain a formal apology from the Metropolitan Police Service for their failure to properly investigate Kelso’s murder and for the racial bias evident in their actions.
• Ensure transparency and accountability regarding the true circumstances of Kelso’s death.
• Honour Kelso’s legacy by seeking truth, justice, accentuating the ongoing struggle against racial injustice and violence in the UK; and of course, ensure that Kelso will never be forgotten

We are aiming to raise £5,000 to cover legal fees and associated costs to continue our fight for justice. Your support will help us fund critical legal action, advocacy, and ongoing efforts to uncover the full truth about Kelso Cochrane’s tragic death.

Together, we can make a difference. Justice for Kelso Cochrane is long overdue