Menu
22/02/2007
Devon murder case to go to appeal court
The case of the murder of a gay pensioner in Devon more than 16 years ago has been referred to the Court of Appeal as a possible miscarriage of justice.
Robert Kennedy was sentenced to life imprisonment at Plymouth Crown Court in 1991 for the murder of Arthur Eathorne.
Mr Eathorne, 74, was found battered to death in his flat in Plymouth in September 1990. He suffered fatal head injuries after being hit with a blunt instrument.
According to reports, the pensioner was well known in the gay community and allegedly had a number of young men who visited his flat for sex.
Advances in DNA technology have since revealed that DNA evidence found at Mr Eathorne's flat do not match Kennedy's profile.
Kennedy, now 42, has always denied committing the murder. He had an appeal against his conviction dismissed in March 1995 and he applied to the Criminal Cases Review Commission in December 2000.
The Commission's review included a two-year section 19 inquiry by Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, directed by the Commission. The force's final report was submitted to the Commission in January 2006.
A statement released by the Commission on Thursday said: "Having considered a range of issues, including new DNA profiles on two cigarette butts at the scene which were found not to match Mr Kennedy's profile, new information about the probable time of Mr Eathorne's death and issues of disclosure, the Commission has decided to refer the case back to the Court of Appeal."
(KMcA)
Robert Kennedy was sentenced to life imprisonment at Plymouth Crown Court in 1991 for the murder of Arthur Eathorne.
Mr Eathorne, 74, was found battered to death in his flat in Plymouth in September 1990. He suffered fatal head injuries after being hit with a blunt instrument.
According to reports, the pensioner was well known in the gay community and allegedly had a number of young men who visited his flat for sex.
Advances in DNA technology have since revealed that DNA evidence found at Mr Eathorne's flat do not match Kennedy's profile.
Kennedy, now 42, has always denied committing the murder. He had an appeal against his conviction dismissed in March 1995 and he applied to the Criminal Cases Review Commission in December 2000.
The Commission's review included a two-year section 19 inquiry by Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, directed by the Commission. The force's final report was submitted to the Commission in January 2006.
A statement released by the Commission on Thursday said: "Having considered a range of issues, including new DNA profiles on two cigarette butts at the scene which were found not to match Mr Kennedy's profile, new information about the probable time of Mr Eathorne's death and issues of disclosure, the Commission has decided to refer the case back to the Court of Appeal."
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 April 2013
Guilty Plea For Tandem Deaths
A man has pleaded guilty to the deaths of two cyclists, who he knocked them off their tandem bicycle while being pursued by police. 38-year-old Nicholas Lovell of West Street, Oldland Common, admitted two counts of causing death by dangerous driving. Ross Simons, 34, and his wife Clare, 30, died at the scene in Hanham, Bristol on 27 January.
Guilty Plea For Tandem Deaths
A man has pleaded guilty to the deaths of two cyclists, who he knocked them off their tandem bicycle while being pursued by police. 38-year-old Nicholas Lovell of West Street, Oldland Common, admitted two counts of causing death by dangerous driving. Ross Simons, 34, and his wife Clare, 30, died at the scene in Hanham, Bristol on 27 January.
17 September 2012
Ian Tomlinson Death: PC Harwood To Face Disciplinary Hearing
PC Simon Harwood, the officer cleared of killing Ian Tomlinson at London's G20 protests three years ago, is due to face a disciplinary hearing. Harwood, 45, of south London, will face a charge of gross misconduct after he struck the newspaper seller Ian Tomlinson shortly before he died.
Ian Tomlinson Death: PC Harwood To Face Disciplinary Hearing
PC Simon Harwood, the officer cleared of killing Ian Tomlinson at London's G20 protests three years ago, is due to face a disciplinary hearing. Harwood, 45, of south London, will face a charge of gross misconduct after he struck the newspaper seller Ian Tomlinson shortly before he died.
29 March 2006
Man found guilty of murdering pregnant girlfriend
A Portuguese factory worker has been found guilty of murdering his pregnant girlfriend. Hugo Quintas, 25, murdered Hayley Richards, 23, at her flat in Trowbridge, Wiltshire last June. Bristol Crown Court heard how Quintas slit Ms Richards' throat after she admitted sleeping with another man.
Man found guilty of murdering pregnant girlfriend
A Portuguese factory worker has been found guilty of murdering his pregnant girlfriend. Hugo Quintas, 25, murdered Hayley Richards, 23, at her flat in Trowbridge, Wiltshire last June. Bristol Crown Court heard how Quintas slit Ms Richards' throat after she admitted sleeping with another man.
27 June 2003
Mobile charges to be cut following court ruling
Mobile phone calls under some tariff structures will be reduced by up to half following a High Court ruling against Vodafone, Orange and T-Mobile. On Friday, the three UK phone giants finally lost their fight in a long-running court battle with regulators over the practice of levying of “termination charges”.
Mobile charges to be cut following court ruling
Mobile phone calls under some tariff structures will be reduced by up to half following a High Court ruling against Vodafone, Orange and T-Mobile. On Friday, the three UK phone giants finally lost their fight in a long-running court battle with regulators over the practice of levying of “termination charges”.
23 October 2009
Crackdown On Fine Dodgers
Six hundred of the Scotland's 'worst fine dodgers' are being targeted in a crackdown by the Scottish Court Service on those who attempt to 'avoid the ends of justice'.
Crackdown On Fine Dodgers
Six hundred of the Scotland's 'worst fine dodgers' are being targeted in a crackdown by the Scottish Court Service on those who attempt to 'avoid the ends of justice'.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
