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| Retrial for ex-police chief |
| By henleystandard.co.uk |
| Published: 05/23/2011 |
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FORMER Henley police chief Ali Dizaei has been freed from prison after his conviction was quashed. The Court of Appeal ordered that he should be released after 15 months in jail but he will face a retrial. The ruling follows a hearing in March where doubt was cast on the credibility of the main prosecution witness. Waad al-Baghdadi was alleged to have committed benefit fraud. Michael Mansfield QC, for Mr Dizaei, also accused him of lying to obtain residence in the UK. Lord Justice Hughes, sitting with Mr Justice Treacy and Mr Justice Cranston, said they had been “driven to the conclusion” that the conviction “cannot be regarded as safe”. He added: “We are satisfied that it is in the interests of justice that there should be a retrial.” Mr Dizaei, 48, was released from Leyhill open prison in Gloucestershire on Monday and later held a press conference in London where he praised his wife, Shy, for helping secure his retrial. He said: “I will remain determined to clear my name.” Mr Dizaei said his time in prison was like “putting a hand in a wasps’ nest” and he was assaulted a number of times. He said it was his faith in God and in his innocence that helped him get through “what I can best describe as hell”. The former Metropolitan Police commander added: “I remain determined not to be bullied out of my job. It is my intention to go back to the Metropolitan Police, clear my name and retire like any other (officer).” Mr Dizaei was jailed for four years at Southwark Crown Court in February last year after being found guilty of perverting the course of justice and misconduct in a public office. He was accused of making threats, assault, false arrest and faking evidence against Mr al-Baghdadi over a money dispute. Lord Justice Hughes said: “He was at the time a very senior serving police officer. Read More. |
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