A PRESTWICH journalist's six-year crusade to free a convicted murderer he believes is innocent reached a significant milestone this week.

On Wednesday (Feb 7), Stephen Downing who was jailed 27 years ago for killing typist Wendy Sewell, was freed pending an Appeal Court hearing.

His release was a personal triumph for former Prestwich journalist Mr Don Hale who has campaigned for Downing's conviction to be quashed.

Mr Hale, editor of the Matlock Mercury in Derbyshire and former editor of the Bury Messenger, believes Downing is the victim of a miscarriage of justice.

And he has called for Derbyshire police to reopen their investigations into the case.

Downing (44), was jailed for life for the murder in Bakewell, Derbyshire.

But Mr Hale, whose involvement in the case could be turned into a Hollywood blockbuster, says he has uncovered evidence which proves Downing is innocent.

This week, the journalist said the decision to free the man was "absolutely brilliant" and that his six-year campaign to free Downing was now proving successful.

Mr Hale's painstaking investigation work has already won him several awards.

No date has been set for Downing's Appeal Court hearing.