For the Matlock Mercury, the final piece of the jigsaw came together this week when Stephen Downing’s murder conviction was quashed by the Court of Appeal. The Matlock paper has been covering the case closely since 1995, when it ran
Stephen Downing
What we have written about Stephen Downing
Second award for Don Hale
Readers of the Observer newspaper have chosen Matlock Mercury editor Don Hale as their man of the year. Mr Hale, (48), has been handed the prestigious title in recognition of his work on the Stephen Downing case. Thousands of the
Appeal hearing date for Downing – one year on
A man who spent more than 27 years in prison for a murder he claims he did not commit will get his appeal hearing in January – almost a year since his release on bail. The provisional date for Stephen
Journalist Don makes a footballing comeback
Former Matlock Mercury editor and ex-professional soccer player Don Hale has signed a one-off deal for the great Dutch football legend Johann Cruyff. But Don, a former youth and reserve player with Bury, Blackburn Rovers, York City and Shrewsbury Town,
More TV dates for Hale
You just can’t keep a good man down! Just days after quitting his post at the Matlock Mercury and securing a new position at the Sunday Mercury, Don Hale been popping up on television again and is preparing the next
Big names for Sunday
Three big-name writers have joined the Sunday Mercury as it consolidates its position as the biggest-selling regional Sunday newspaper. The Birmingham-based paper, which covers a wide area of the east and west midlands, now has TV sports supremo Gary Newbon,
New projects beckon for Hale as leaving deal is struck
Award-winning editor Don Hale is to embark on a myriad of new projects when he leaves the Matlock Mercury after 16 years as editor, at the end of this month. His departure follows an uneasy few months during which he
Matlock to Baltimore – and all around the world
Page 2 of 2 The Mercury was given exclusive access to a media call for broadcast journalists, where questions were fired by Sky, Central News, Channel Five and Calendar News – among a total of 12 crews at the George
Matlock to Baltimore – and all around the world
Page 1 of 2 Stephen Downing’s case has gained worldwide recognition for campaigning editor Don Hale and the Matlock Mercury. The world’s press seems to have descended on the Derbyshire town since Downing was released on bail pending an appeal
Downing freed on bail
Prisoner Stephen Downing has been set free on bail after 27 years in jail for a murder he says he did not commit. Today’s High Court decision was announced pending the full hearing of his appeal. Downing was still in
"Website belongs to our readers"
The Matlock Mercury has relaunched its website – and it’s getting ten times more hits than its sister papers in the Derbyshire Times Group, says delighted editor Don Hale. Originally launched last December, the site has gone for a brighter
It's rude to point
Don Hale has spoken to HoldTheFrontPage about the excitement of winning the top award of Journalist of the Year in Granada Television’s What The Papers Say Awards. The Matlock Mercury editor was honoured for his relentless investigative work into the
Top honour for Don
Top award of Journalist of the Year in Granada Television’s What The Papers Say Awards has gone to Don Hale, Editor of the Matlock Mercury, for his investigation into the case of Stephen Downing, the teenager convicted of the Bakewell
Tonight's the night
Matlock Mercury editor Don Hale was due to find out tonight if he has picked up a prestigious What the Papers Say Award. He has been nominated for his work on the Stephen Downing case, which could see prisoner Downing
'Centralised subbing row' could spell the end for HaleDowning bail is refused
Campaigning editor Don Hale believes he is about to lose his job – in a row over centralised subbing of Johnston Press Derbyshire titles. The Matlock Mercury editor is currently in the headlines for his work to free convicted killer
Downing case breakthrough
Jailed Stephen Downing could be released from prison on Friday – after 27 years behind bars for a murder he claims he did not commit. His bail application hearing, pending an appeal, will be heard at the High Court at