Mum Sally wept with joy and the court applauded

Conviction for murder quashed

WATCHING via videolink from jail, Sally Challen wept with delight and 50 supporters in court cheered as her murder conviction was quashed. Relatives now hope the 65-year-old could soon be freed after judges at the Court of Appeal yesterday overturned her conviction for murdering husband Richard, 61, in 2010.

She has served eight years of an 18-year sentence for killing him with a hammer.

After making the judgment, Lady Justice Hallett said: “The Court of Appeal heard that, in the opinion of a consultant forensic psychiatrist, the appellant was suffering from two mental disorders at the time of the killing.

“This evidence was not available at the time of the trial and the court quashed the conviction and ordered a retrial.”

It is a landmark ruling which could pave the way for other women in the future.

AMAZING

Challen’s lawyers want the Crown Prosecution Service to accept a guilty plea to a lesser charge of manslaughter.

This would mean there would be no retrial for murder and she would probably not have to serve any more time for the killing.

Her legal team are preparing to apply for bail as soon as possible.

Challen’s sons David, 31, and James, 35, have welcomed the judgment. Speaking outside the court in London, David said: “It’s an amazing moment. The courts have acknowledged this case needs to be looked at again, as we have always said as a family.

“The abuse our mother suffered... was never recognised properly and her mental conditions were not taken into account...

“She’s not a murderer today and that’s the most amazing thing that has been recognised.” He added his mum had not been free since she was 15 when she began dating car dealer Richard. Challen was sentenced to 22 years in 2011 after killing her husband at their Surrey home after 31 years of marriage. The sentence was reduced to 18 years on appeal.

At her trial she denied murder, claiming diminished responsibility. Lawyers, supported by campaign group Justice for Women, hailed yesterday’s ruling as an “amazing victory”.

Describing Challen’s reaction at Bronzefield prison in Surrey, human rights lawyer Harriet Wistrich said: “She’s delighted.”

The abuse our mother suffered was never recognised properly DAVID CHALLEN SON OUTSIDE COURT

David Challen leaves court yesterday WEDDING The Challens were married for 31 years COUPLE Richard and Sally Challen together SON

SUPPORT Campaigners at court