13/08/2008

Stagg Confirms Compensation Payout

The man wrongly accused of murdering Rachel Nickell has been awarded £706,000 in compensation, it has been confirmed.

Colin Stagg, who was cleared of the murder in 1994, told BBC's Crimewatch programme about the payout.

Mr Stagg spent a year in custody before being cleared.

Ms Nickell, 23, was stabbed 49 times in a "frenzied" daylight attack on Wimbledon Common in front of her two-year-old son in July 1992.

Robert Napper, 41, was charged with Ms Nickell's murder last year and is awaiting trial.

Lord Brennan, QC, who granted the award, described the police tactics as "highly unusual and legally bizarre" and said they had "contributed directly" to his conclusion over the size of the payout.

Mr Stagg, 45, has described the compensation from the Home Office as "like winning the lottery".

"I have endured that stigma for 15 years. It's fair to say it has ruined my life, yet until now I have never received the slightest apology from the authorities for my ordeal," he said.

Mr Stagg said he would like to buy his council flat with his payout.

(DS)

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