A MAN jailed for murdering a barmaid in Southampton 27 years ago could be released from prison within days after serious doubts emerged about his conviction, it was revealed today.
Sean Hodgson is serving a life sentence for killing 22-year-old Teresa De Simone, who was found strangled in a car in December 1979.
But after a police review of DNA evidence found at the scene, the case was referred to the Criminal Cases Review Commission which sent it to the Court of Appeal.
If released, he would be one of the longest-serving victims of a miscarriage of justice.
The Crown Prosecution Service is now considering a review of all similar murder cases where DNA evidence is available and defendants are still alive.
Cases are referred to the court if the commission feels there is a ''real possibility'' it will be ruled unsafe and quashed.
Mr Hodgson's case was considered ''particularly urgent'' and the decision to pass it to the court made within two days.
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