Let Him Have It is a British crime drama film based on the true story of Derek Bentley, who was convicted and hanged for his part in the shooting of a policeman during a burglary in 1952.
The film follows the life of Derek, a mentally challenged teenager, and his friendship with Chris Craig, a young boy who idolizes American gangsters. Together, they begin a life of petty crime and eventually get involved in a botched burglary that leads to the murder of a police officer.
Derek is arrested, and during his trial, he claims that he only shouted "let him have it" as a signal for Chris to surrender. The court, however, convicts Derek of the murder, sentencing him to death by hanging. The case attracts widespread attention from the media, public, and politicians, questioning the fairness and morality of capital punishment.
The film deals with issues of youth rebellion, personal responsibility, and social injustice, highlighting how the law and justice system can fail those who are unable to defend themselves.
Let Him Have It was released in 1991 and starred Christopher Eccleston as Derek Bentley and Paul Reynolds as Chris Craig. The film was directed by Peter Medak and received critical acclaim for its poignant and powerful portrayal of a tragic miscarriage of justice.