Nicholls, Patrick

Patrick Nicholls was convicted in November 1975 of murder and robbery. Mr Nicholls received a sentence of life imprisonment.

The CCRC received an application for review of the conviction in August 1997.

The key issue at trial had been whether Mr Nicholls had killed the victim, an elderly lady with severe health problems, or had found her dead.

The expert pathologist’s evidence at trial was decisive, effectively excluding the possibility of death by natural causes, and Mr Nicholls was convicted.

During review, the CCRC obtained new expert pathological evidence criticising the original pathology report in condemnatory terms.

In addition, the CCRC found evidence of police misconduct during the investigation into Mr Nicholls.

The CCRC referred the conviction in November 1997.

The Court of Appeal quashed the conviction in June 1998.