Bridgewater case has new evidence

NEW evidence has emerged which could help overturn the convictions in the Carl Bridgewater case, the solicitor acting for three men serving life for the 1978 killing disclosed yesterday, writes Terry Kirby.

James Nichol, solicitor for Michael Hickey and his cousin, Vincent, and the third man, Jim Robinson, said a new document - a detention record - had emerged which cast doubts on the authenticity of a confession by a fourth man which was central to the prosecution case at the 1979 trial.

The Home Office also announced yesterday that it had ordered a further police inquiry into other matters raised by Mr Nichol in a submission earlier this year. A statement said it was 'looking very carefully' at the information Mr Nichol submitted and any further material he wished to send.

Although last February, the then Home Secretary, Kenneth Clarke, refused to refer the case to the Court of Appeal, campaigners for the men are confident.