Freedom for the 'barmaid killer' jailed wrongfully 27 years ago

A MAN wrongly jailed for 27 years and believed to be the victim of Britain's longest miscarriage of justice was set to be released today to begin a new life in London.

Sean Hodgson, now 57, was jailed in 1982 for killing 22-year-old barmaid Teresa de Simone, but was expected to be set free today at the Court of Appeal after a review of DNA evidence.

His lawyer said he intended to settle in Kensington and Chelsea while he got used to life as a free man.

Mr Hodgson's brother, Peter, and his sister-in-law are due to attend the court. Mr Hodgson's parents, who always believed in his innocence, died while he was behind bars.

His solicitor, Julian Young, said Mr Hodgson, who is mentally ill, was "extremely excited" about the prospect of freedom after nearly three decades in jail. "Sean is looking forward to having his innocence upheld and vindicated by the Lord Chief Justice," he said.

"When he is released, he will be living in the borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Initially, he will have to be supervised while he gets used to a free life. He is incredibly apprehensive about facing the outside world after so long."

Mr Young said his client had a list of things he wanted to do when he was released. "The thing he wants to do most is watch Sunderland play in a Premier League match. He is hoping he will see them play against West Ham soon," he said.

Mr Hodgson was jailed for life for the rape and murder of Miss de Simone, whose body was found in a car in Southampton in 1979. He was convicted after telling a priest he committed the murder and has since said he confessed because of his mental illness.

The case was sent back to the Court of Appeal after a review of the evidence gathered at the original crime scene. A DNA test found that the genetic material did not match samples taken from Mr Hodgson and his conviction is expected to be quashed today.

It is thought he could be eligible for a record individual compensation payment of at least £1million.

Mr Hodgson is said to have apologised to the murder victim's family for the pain he caused by making a false confession all those years ago.

Miss de Simone's parents, Michael and Mary Sedotti, said in a statement: "Our loving daughter and step-daughter was cruelly taken from us nearly 30 years ago. We are experiencing tremendously different emotions at this time and are struggling to come to terms with recent events."