In 2016, a couple are accused of a crime against their daughter, a crime that never happened. But in 2019, they're put on trial, the first of its kind. They're found guilty and jailed - before their conviction is overturned. A second trial is inconclusive before the state finally abandons the case. But now the couple are left in limbo - and are fighting to clear their names. How did the system get it so wrong... If you have any information or knowledge about this story please email us documentaries@rte.ie or investigations@rte.ie.
From RTÉ Documentary On One and RTÉ Investigates.
Publishing weekly from October 8th 2025 - a new 6-part podcast series & TV doc (Nov 12th).
Previous Documentary On One series include Stolen Sister, Where is Jón?, The Real Carrie Jade, Runaway Joe, Finding Samantha, First Consignment, GunPlot, Tiger Roll and The Nobody Zone.
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Credits: First Conviction is hosted by Ruth Negga. It's written and produced by Tim Desmond and Liam O'Brien working together with the RTÉ Investigates team of reporter Pam Fraher, producer Philip Gallagher, assistant editor Aoife Hegarty and Editor David Doran. Sound design by Ciarán Cullen. Sayeed's words were given voice by Steve Hartland and Halawa's by Esosa Ighodaro. Legal advice from Deirdre Ann Kelly & Eleanor Bleahene. Original music written by Mel Mercier & performed by Karl Nesbitt, Paul O'Donnell, Niwel Tsumbu, Clara Sanabras with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra conducted by Gavin Maloney. Orchestral String Arrangements by Áine Delaney. Music recording engineers, Donncha Moynihan and Ciarán Cullen. Studio voiceover recordings by Ronan Kelly. Production assistance from Shauna McGreevy and Nicoline Greer. Audio product support by Nigel Wheatley. Promo Producer, Fiona Savage. Marketing by Christopher Hayes and Maria Buckley. Design and creatives by Michael McKeon, Sean Malone, Scott Bryan, John Kilkenny and Darragh Treacy. Publicity by Laura Fitzgerald. Socials by James Hartigan & Kate Smyth. London recording engineer, Luke Nagy. Additional online editorial content by Anna Joyce. Publishing weekly.
