Plea as mum launches bail bid

HOPES THE family of a mum whose conviction for murdering her husband was quashed in a landmark court ruling hope she will be freed today.

Sally Challen, 65, could be granted bail after spending nearly nine years of an 18-year sentence behind bars.

In February, the Court Appeal overturned her conviction and ordered a retrial in light of new evidence not available at the time of her trial for killing Richard, 61.

She will today appear at an Old Bailey plea and bail hearing. Son of David, 31, posted on Twitter last night: “For the first time in nine years our mother could be released and be with us.”

Challen’s lawyer Harriet Wistrich said her client would plead guilty to manslaughter and not guilty to murder, meaning she would probably not serve any more time.

She added: “It would be the right decision to let her go.

“There is copious evidence she is of no risk to the public.” DAVID CHALLEN SON OF JAILED HAMMER KILLER SALLY Challen killed Richard in Claygate, Surrey. She was jailed for life after a trial at Guildford crown court in 2011. Challen appealed and her conviction was quashed. Ordering a retrial, Lady Justice Hallett said: “The Court of Appeal heard that 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.”

The Crown Prosecution Service said: “As with any prosecution, we have a duty to keep the case under review.” VICTIM Richard

For the first time in nine years our mother could be released and be with us