Murder conviction could be quashed

CONVICTED murderer Ian Lawless could have his conviction quashed next week, the Grimsby Telegraph can reveal.

His solicitors are now ready to launch an appeal against the conviction for murdering pensioner Alfred Wilkins, in 2001 – which will not be contested by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Mr Lawless, now aged 47, has spent seven years behind bars since he was accused of killing retired seaman Mr Wilkins (67), who died in a fire at his home, on Arundel Walk, on the former Yarborough estate, in Grimsby.

He was jailed for life, in 2002, alongside co-defendant Gary Lawson.

"It is a strong possibility that the conviction will be quashed," said his solicitor, Mark Newby.

The hearing at the Court Of Appeal, in London, could take place as soon as next week. Judges there have the power to quash convictions or order a retrial.

Speaking to the Grimsby Telegraph, his sister Anne Lawless (52), of Grimsby, said: "He has always said he is innocent. It is a shame our mum, Mavis, is not here to see it because she fought a lot for him.

"I have spoken to him and he said 'I am coming out'. He has appealed before and took it for granted that he would get out, so it disheartened him.

"Of course I will be pleased if he is cleared – he is my brother."

The new appeal follows an unsuccessful attempt in 2003. The Telegraph understands that Gary Lawson is not due to appeal against his conviction.

The case against Lawless hinged on confessions that he was said to have made while in the Pestle and Mortar pub in Grimsby.

As reported, the conviction has been judged to be unsafe by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), which examines possible miscarriages of justice.

They commissioned a report by Professor Gisli Gudjonsson – a leading expert in false confessions who has worked on many miscarriage of justice cases, including those of the Birmingham Six, and Barry George, who was accused of shooting television presenter Jill Dando.

Following the news that the commission had referred the case to the Court of Appeal in October, Lawless said: "I want to be able to visit my mum's grave."

A spokesperson for the CCRC said: "The commission is referring the case to the Court of Appeal because it believes that new evidence presents a real possibility that the conviction may be quashed."

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Terrified pensioner Alfred Wilkins suffered 'long period of harassment' - find out more by clicking here.

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