Man cleared of killing girlfriend

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Barri White spent six years in jail and always insisted he was innocent

A man accused of murdering his girlfriend and dumping her body has been found not guilty at a retrial.

Barri White, 29, of Epsom Grove, Bletchley, Buckinghamshire, had always denied killing 18-year-old Rachel Manning in December 2000.

Her body was found hidden in deep undergrowth at Woburn Golf Club.

Mr White was convicted of her murder in 2002, but in November 2007 the Court of Appeal heard fresh evidence, quashed the conviction and ordered a retrial.

The conviction had largely been based on scientific evidence which was disputed by experts featured on BBC's Rough Justice programme that looked into the case.

I miss Rachel as much as her family do and only now will I be properly able to mourn her Barri White

Outside court Mr White said: "Justice has been done today. My years in prison were horrible, not a day went past when I was not thinking about this case.

"I am not angry, what is the point of being angry. But I want the police to investigate the case properly now.

"I miss Rachel as much as her family do and only now will I be properly able to mourn her. "

He later praised BBC Rough Justice's role in his Appeal Court victory.

He told BBC East: "I am now looking forward to going on holiday and my baby being born in June."

Thames Valley Police are re-examining the murder of Rachel Manning

A spokeswoman for Thames Valley Police said: "The case will now be re-examined by the force's dedicated review team.

"Their role is to apply new scientific techniques and weigh up potential fresh evidence."

She added: "At all times during the initial investigation and subsequent court cases our duty has been to seek justice for Rachel and her family. "

When Mr White's conviction was quashed, the court also allowed an appeal by Keith Hyatt against his conviction for conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

He was told he would not face a re-trial.