A CONVICTED killer is launching a bid to win his release from prison while he awaits an appeal hearing.

Former East Bergholt High School pupil Simon Hall says he has compelling evidence he is innocent of the 2001 murder of Suffolk pensioner Joan Albert.

Hall, who was jailed for life, has made an application for bail in the hope he will be allowed home until the court hearing.

A campaign group has put up a £50,000 surety.

Hall’s wife Stephanie, who met him when they both worked at a company in East Hill, Colchester, and married him after his conviction, said she was anxious for the appeal date to be fixed.

She added: “It has been brought to our attention the earliest Simon’s appeal may be heard is this October.

“While we appreciate the appeal courts operate on a skeletal basis during the summer recess, and only the most urgent of cases are heard, we consider Simon’s case to fall into this category.

“We are also aware that other factors, such as diary schedules for all parties, must be taken into consideration. However, it is nine months since the Criminal Cases Review Commission referred Simon’s case and it would appear there have been several delays.

“Therefore, in the interest of justice, we are asking that Simon’s appeal is heard at the earliest possible opportunity.”

Hall, 32, was convicted in February 2003 of stabbing to death Mrs Albert, 79, at her home in Capel St Mary.

He launched an initial appeal in April 2004, but lost.

The commission has now accepted there is sufficient doubt over his conviction to justify a second challenge.

Tests on fibres taken from the crime scene have shed new evidence and it is also claimed there is important new information about another burglary in Capel St Mary on the night of the murder.

Hall’s supporters say there are no fingerprints or DNA linking him to the scene, he had no real motive, the crime scene was contaminated and he could not have fitted through the broken window of Mrs Albert’s home without leaving any evidence on it.

The £50,000 surety was put up by campaigners fighting to free Kevin Nunn, of Woolpit, Suffolk, who was convicted in November 2006 of the 2005 murder of Dawn Walker.

On the website fighting his case, caseblog.wronglyaccusedperson.org.uk/justice4simon/, his lawyer, Campbell Malone, states: “This is a worrying conviction based almost exclusively on fibre evidence.

“There is no doubt this was a violent murder, but we believe fresh evidence now emerging points away from Simon. It follows that someone else was responsible and we would ask anyone with information to call us on 01942 777777.”