Retrial for builder murder case

Two men jailed for life for kicking a retired builder to death in a Surrey street have had their convictions quashed by Appeal Court judges.

Stephen Puttock, 29, and Barry Stretch, 34, were convicted in February 2007 of murdering Keith Nicholson, 62, in Manor Road, Guildford, in September 2000.

He died of a heart attack the day after he was punched and kicked unconscious.

Lord Justice Hooper ruled both men's convictions were unsafe and directed that a fresh trial should be held.

No date was fixed for the new trial of Mr Stretch and Mr Puttock, both of Guildford.

Mr Nicholson, from South Road, Guildford, was attacked outside Ardmore House as he walked alone late at night.