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Investigative journalist Hale 'hopeful' of appeal success

Investigative journalist Don Hale has told of his optimism that the conviction of Graham Huckerby, jailed for his part in a £6m robbery, will be quashed following a Court of Appeal hearing last week.

Judgement on the case was reserved last Friday, but Don, who gathered fresh evidence which persuaded a judge to refer the case directly back to the Court of Appeal, said he was happy with the way the hearing had gone.

The former Matlock Mercury editor said: “I was very pleased with the presentation of the defence and satisfied that the three judges were at least given the opportunity to hear much of the fresh evidence that should have been presented at Huckerby’s original trial.

“The court was packed and the judges listened intently to the new evidence. I feel optimistic that Huckerby’s appeal will be allowed and his conviction quashed.”

Security Huckerby was sentenced to 14 years in April 2002 as the “inside man” on the crime, but Don believes he had been made a scapegoat.

The case is unique in that a single judge originally referred the case back to the court of appeal rather than having to operate via the Criminal Cases Review Commission. It was also a dual appeal with his co-ccused James Power also making application for his conviction to be overturned.

It could be several weeks before the outcome is known, during which time Huckerby remains in prison, but Don is hopeful that he could be released in time for Christmas.

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