Downing quizzed over intimidation

Stephen Downing was freed after spending 27 years in jail

Stephen Downing, who was convicted of murder but released 27 years later, has been arrested over allegations of intimidation.

BBC News has learned that Mr Downing, 47, from Bakewell, Derbyshire, was arrested on suspicion of intimidating a female witness.

He was jailed for murdering Wendy Sewell in 1973, but released in 2001 when his conviction was ruled unsafe.

Derbyshire Police confirmed a Bakewell man was arrested and released on bail.

Stephen Downing's father Ray Downing was jailed last November for eight months for indecently assaulting a 17-year-old girl.

Ray Downing, along with former Matlock Mercury newspaper editor Don Hale, fought a successful campaign to quash Stephen's conviction for the murder of Wendy Sewell in 1973.

The Court of Appeal freed Mr Downing after ruling that his conviction was unsafe.

Stephen Downing has declined to comment.

The second part of a BBC dramatisation of the Stephen Downing story "In Denial of Murder" is due to be screened on Sunday evening on BBC 1.