A CAMPAIGN to free convicted killer Simon Hall could be gaining further momentum today after it emerged several other cases, where the same pathologist had been used, would be reviewed.

A CAMPAIGN to free convicted killer Simon Hall could be gaining further momentum today after it emerged several other cases, where the same pathologist had been used, would be reviewed.

Following the resignation of Dr Michael Heath earlier this year, the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) looked into about 50 murder and manslaughter cases where the pathologist gave evidence and has decided to investigate nine cases.

Hall, who lived in Hill House Road, off Back Hamlet, Ipswich, is not included in the list but his team has applied to the CCRC and they will be assessing the case.

Boris Worrall, spokesman for the CCRC, said: “Simon Hall has recently applied to the CCRC and the Michael Heath issue will be looked at in the course of the review (into the case).

“His case has not even been allocated for review yet and is still being assessed at the moment as it is quite a recent application.”

Dr Heath was criticised by a disciplinary panel earlier this year who said his professional performance had fallen short in two cases, one of which was Lowestoft man Steven Puaca who had his crown court conviction for murdering his partner quashed last year.

The Home Office pathologist also gave evidence in Hall's trial in 2002 when the 27-year-old accountant was convicted of killing Joan Albert at her Boydlands, Capel St Mary home.

Hall's team maintain Dr Heath failed to attend the scene of the 79-year-old's murder and claim none of the necessary tests were carried out.

As a result they believe it was impossible for Mr Heath to accurately give a time of death, which could have hampered Hall's alibi.

The CCRC is now looking into a nine cases - five of which are understood to have given officials cause for concern and are being investigated in more detail, and four of which are already being considered for referral to the Court of Appeal.

These include the case of Michael Stone, who is serving life for the murders of Lin and Megan Russell.

Dr Lin Russell and her six-year-old daughter, Megan, were bludgeoned to death with a hammer in Chillenden, Kent, in 1996. Megan's sister, Josie, nine, was left for dead.

Do you think Hall's case should be reviewed? Write to: Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail: eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

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