The case of Paul Cleeland, who spent 26 years behind bars for the 1972 murder of Terry Clarke in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, has taken a significant turn with the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) announcing it is re-examining the conviction. New ballistics evidence has emerged, throwing doubt on key findings from the original investigation, which had concluded Mr Cleeland was responsible for the shooting.
Mr Cleeland, now 83 and living in Folkestone, has consistently protested his innocence since being convicted in 1972. The CCRC's review has focused on ballistic evidence, specifically examining gunshot residue found on Mr Cleeland's coat. A forensic scientist informed the CCRC that it is unlikely the majority of this residue came from shots fired from the recovered cartridge cases.
The murder occurred on 5 November 1972 when Terry Clarke returned home from a bar. Mr Cleeland has always stated he was at home with his wife at the time, and the CCRC's review has included examination of material retained from the original Hertfordshire Police investigation, including cartridge wads, spent shotgun cartridges, and the coat recovered from Mr Cleeland’s home.
The expert's finding raises significant doubts about a critical piece of evidence used in the original conviction. The residue on the coat was likely deposited when it was examined in a firearms laboratory, rather than being present at the time of the shooting.
Mr Cleeland's solicitor, Ricky Arora, has urged the CCRC to refer the case to the Court of Appeal within the next fortnight, citing Mr Cleeland’s advanced age and declining health as reasons for urgency. Mr Arora highlighted a “compelling public interest” in ensuring the matter proceeds without further delay, drawing parallels to the case of Barry George, who was acquitted of Jill Dando's murder following doubts over gunshot residue evidence.