Don has edited several newspapers and written for most daily and Sunday newspapers in a varied career that has spanned three decades.

A former professional footballer, he has also collected numerous prestigious awards, including the national Journalist of the Year prize, and twice won the regional press, ‘Journalist of the Year’ title, and national Campaign of the Year award.

His work was highlighted during a BBC TV drama starring Stephen Tompkinson, and two years ago Don collected the International Freedom award from Prime Minister Tony Blair, and an OBE from the Prince of Wales, for his part in helping to free Stephen Downing, a man jailed for 27 years, for a murder he did not commit.

A best selling author he has written 7 major books including 3 best sellers, Town Without Pity, The Final Dive, the life and death of 'Buster Crabb' and Mallard, how the blue streak broke the world steam record.

He frequently tours as an author and investigative journalist and has been the true crime guest of honour at several major US conventions and crime festivals.

He has also written and presented some crime documentaries for ITV and the BBC and regularly lectures at Universities on various aspects of the law, miscarriages of justice and investigative journalism.

Don Hale is an award winning journalist and best selling author of "Mallard" amongst others. He was awarded an OBE in 2002 for his part in helping to free Stephen Downing, a man jailed for 27 years, for a murder he did not commit.