A GREAT Harwood man who spent nearly two decades in prison for a crime he did not commit has been unable to find a job in the five years he has been free, he has revealed.

Peter Fell, 43, was cleared of the crime and released from prison in 2001, after serving 18 years behind bars for a double murder.

Since his release he has been desperate to get back to work, but today he claimed he has been unable to find work, because of the stigma of the crimes he was accused of.

Today the MP who fought for Mr Fell's release slammed the system for not helping Mr Fell, and said more should be done to support him.

The news comes just a week after Mr Fell discovered his claim for compensation could suffer under new government rules.

Mr Fell, who now lives in the London area, said: "I have checked with the police to see what is on my record and there is nothing.

"They wiped it off, but it still prevents me getting work. That's unfair, really."

Mr Fell, who remarried after his release, has done some voluntary work, but is currently receiving benefits after being diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Mr Fell was cleared in March 2001 of the 1982 murders of Anne Lee and Margaret Johnson in Aldershot Common. Mr Fell, whose mother Maureen lived in Accrington, was brought up at Blake Gardens Children's Home in Great Harwood.

He attended Norden High School in Rishton before joining the Army. He was living in Hampshire when he was arrested.

Greg Pope, Hyndburn MP, supported Mr Fell while in prison.

He said: "The whole network of support has been lamentable.

"They just turfed him out onto the street and said there you go'.

"The guy spent 18 years inside for a crime he didn't commit, and the state should be offering a helping hand for Peter."