A campaign by the editor of the Matlock Mercury, to win the freedom of a Derbyshire man he believes has spent 27 years in jail for a murder he didn’t commit, continues to make the headlines. The Daily Express has
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Media clamour for weekly editor
Editor of the Matlock Mercury Don Hale has found himself in demand as speculation rises that his quest for justice for one of Britian’s longest-serving prisoners may be about to succeed. Mr Hale believes that Stephen Downing has spent 27
Editor’s book stirs soccer memories
Glory days: Don Hale’s book recalls Matlock Town’s FA Trophy triumph A book of nostalgia and football memorabilia concerning Matlock Town Football Club has proved a surprise best-seller for soccer enthusiast and Matlock Mercury editor Don Hale. Don, a former
My long, hard quest to free convicted murderer
Stephen Downing has spent nearly 27 years in prison for a brutal murder he claims he did not commit. Matlock Mercury editor Don Hale believes Downing is innocent of the crime and says he has now found fresh evidence to
'In denial of murder' is TV drama – not newspaper fact
He says it may have gone a step too far in its dramatisation of his fight to free Stephen Downing from his prison term for murder.
Special investigation puts pressure on Internet giant
A four-month investigation into child porn on the Internet was today published by the Matlock Mercury. The paper – with backing from child protection charities – is now challenging firms that run “chat-room” websites to clean up their act. The
Legal hold-ups delay Hale's campaign victory
Don Hale’s campaign to get convicted murderer Stephen Downing released from prison has suffered a major setback. The Matlock Mercury editor has been told that Downing won’t be released this week as expected – and may not be home before
Hale award iminent?
Don Hale could be rewarded for his hard work on the Stephen Downing campaign with a prestigious award. The Matlock Mercury editor has been nominated for Editor/Journalist of the Year in the What the Papers Say Awards 2000. The awards
Editor in "Straw quit" call
Page 1 of 2 Matlock Mercury editor Don Hale has called for Home Secretary Jack Straw’s resignation – after what he calls further “bureaucratic bungles” that meant Stephen Downing’s continued detention in prison. Stephen (44), from Stanton View, Bakewell, has
Downing has right to appeal
Campaigning editor Don Hale is expecting the release of convicted murderer Stephen Downing within days after Downing won the right of appeal against his life sentence. He has served 27 years in prison for a 1974 murder he claims he
Derbyshire weekly poised for decision on Downing case
After more than three and a half years of deliberation, the Criminal CasesReview Commission was today finally poised to make a decision on the future ofPeak District prisoner Stephen Downing. Downing (44), jailed in September 1973 for the murder of
Downing decision: "any time"
The fate of a man convicted for a murder he claims he did not commit could finally be determined within the next seven days. Stephen Downing (44), from Bakewell, is expecting to hear the result of his appeal against his
Union says editor's life has been put in danger
The National Union of Journalists has attacked the Criminal Cases Review Commission for putting a campaigning editor in danger. Don Hale, editor of the Matlock Mercury, has been investigating the case of Stephen Downing – who has been held in
Downing case on TV tonight
The Matlock Mercury’s long-running campaign supporting the claims of innocence for convicted murderer Stephen Downing is to be highlighted in a special feature on ITN’s Channel 4 News programme tonight (Thursday August 24). One of ITN’s top presenters and reporters
New twist in Downing case
The campaign to free convicted murderer Stephen Downing has taken another twist. The discovery of a birth certificate shows the victim, married housewife Wendy Sewell, had a secret love child by another man, according to Matlock Mercury editor Don Hale.
Times takes up local editor's campaign
Editor Don Hale has had the satisfaction of seeing one of his campaigns highlighted by The Times. Mr Hale, who edits the Matlock Mercury, has led a six-year campaign to free Stephen Downing – who he believes has spent 27