In a busy week for former newspaper editor Don Hale, the author has been on the road to promote his book Town Without Pity and has completed around 35 TV and radio interviews.

The book charts the story of Stephen Downing, now released from prison after serving 27 years for a murder he claimed he did not commit.

It was officially launched on April 4, is being tipped as a best-seller and has already received many complimentary reviews.

Don suffered threats to his life as he fought for eight years for the freedom of Stephen Downing after his parents approached him as editor of the Matlock Mercury.

The book contains vital evidence to establish Downing’s innocence and ask who was responsible for the murder almost 30 years ago.

Don said: “It was Britain’s worst ever miscarriage of justice and is now set to become Britain’s biggest ever murder inquiry.

“The serialisation of the book in the Mail on Sunday and the launch prompted Derbyshire Police to re-open the case.

“Publicity is likely to include BBC Crimewatch and national advertising to seek fresh evidence.”

The book might also become an award-winner: the publishers have put it in for two possible award categories with the Crime Writers Association – The Debut Dagger award and the Macallan Gold Dagger for non-fiction.