UK man convicted of murder has verdict overturned

LONDON – A London man convicted of murder as a teenager has had his conviction overturned by judges after more than seven years in jail.

Sam Hallam, 24, was released on bail Wednesday after prosecutors said they wouldn't contest his appeal.

Hallam had been found guilty of being part of the gang that murdered 21-year-old Essayas Kassahun in north London in 2005.

But no forensic evidence linked him to the scene and a hearing was told new evidence supported his alibi and cast doubt on his identification as among those involved.

On Thursday Hallam had his conviction canceled by three senior justices following a review of his case.

In a statement, Hallam said he now needed "time to recover with my family and friends from the nightmare I've suffered."