The release of the British au pair, Louise Woodward, following a heavily publicised trial in the United States for the murder of a baby in her charge, was greeted her supporters as a sensational triumph for justice.

A huge campaign had been mounted for her release after a Massachusetts jury had found her guilty of second degree murder - meaning a mandatory life sentence with no parole for at least 15 years.

Woodward, 19, was released from custody after her conviction for the murder of eight-month-old Matthew Eappen was reduced to involuntary manslaughter by Judge Hiller Zobel. He cut the sentence to the 279 days she had already spent in prison, which meant she was free to go.

Judge Hiller Zobel

Judge Zobel said his decision was not meant to denigrate the death of Matthew Eappen, but that he had taken all the circumstances into account in coming to the "proper sentence".

Residents in Louise Woodward's hometown of Elton, packed shoulder to shoulder in the village pub, cheered and exchanged exuberant hugs after learning that the au pair would be released. They had been instrumental in raising the profile of the case.

The initial verdict had met with screams of disbelief from the same supporters and tears from Woodward herself. Protestors had gathered outside the courtroom when she was sentenced to life imprisonment, and her mother said: "They've made a horrendous mistake and they need to put it right."

Some US observers were annoyed that the fairness of the American legal system was regularly questioned by the British press.

It was alleged that the jury had been split when it retired and that those favouring an acquittal were persuaded to accept a conviction.

The Eappens

However, the huge media coverage meant it was never going to be an ordinary trial. Nor did the result bring any comfort to the Eappen family, who had lost a child.

The Judge's decision to change the verdict was also supposed to have been a coup for the Internet - which he said would carry his decision. However, in the event, a power cut meant publication was delayed.
 

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