POLICE have re-opened an investigation into the attempted rape of a woman after an Irishman who was wrongly jailed for the attack was freed.
A woman was attacked in the early hours of August 9, 1996, after leaving a nightclub in Redditch, a town 15 miles south of Birmingham.
West Mercia Police said a review of the case had identified a number of areas requiring reinvestigation.
Victor Nealon, who was living in Redditch at the time, was convicted of the attempted rape in January 1997 and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of seven years.
The Dubliner was denied parole because he maintained his innocence and served almost 17 years behind bars before his conviction was quashed in December last year.
Court of Appeal judges reached the verdict based on new DNA evidence linking another unknown male to the attack. The evidence came to light after Mr Nealon’s lawyers commissioned fresh tests of the victim’s clothing, which was held by police.
In an exclusive interview with The Irish Post, the 53-year-old, who has been denied compensation by the British Government, explained how his wrongful imprisonment “ruined” his life.
“Now I find myself not entitled to compensation after 17 years of having my life taken away from me, my partner taken away from me, my job lost and my money taken away from me,” he said.
“Everything I ever had was taken away.”
Announcing its decision to reinvestigate the attempted rape, West Mercia Police said the forensic results pivotal to securing Mr Nealon’s release were among the areas requiring reinvestigation.
The force launched a review of the case shortly after the Irishman’s acquittal.
Detective Superintendent Adrian McGee said: "Given the historic nature of this matter further investigation may take a considerable amount of time. We are continuing to liaise over this with the victim and we have also informed Mr Nealon and his representatives."
Mark Newby, Mr Nealon's solicitor, said his client was pleased that police had decided to reinvestigate the attack.
