A woman campaigning to clear a convicted killer's name spoke of her battle to end what she claims is a huge miscarriage of justice.
Stephanie Bon became close friends with Simon Hall when they worked at a chemical company in Colchester's East Hill.
He even taught her to drive, but they lost touch when the firm closed down.
Then, Hall was charged with the murder of pensioner Joan Albert at her home in Capel St Mary.
Stephanie attended the murder trial with Hall's family, confident he would be cleared.
"When the guilty verdict came in, we were absolutely devastated," she said.
"It was like the floor opening up under you.
"I was the first person to speak to him after he was convicted. He was absolutely distraught.
"I said we'll just have to fight. You can't give up'."
Stephanie's brother designed the Justice4Simon website, which argued Hall's case and started to attract media attention.
The campaign brought her into contact with other miscarriage of justice cases, including members of the Birmingham Six.
MPs - including Colchester's Bob Russell - have also backed the campaign Hall is serving a life sentence in Swaleside Prison on the Isle of Sheppey. He refuses rehabilitation courses because he insists he is innocent.
But, denying guilt could delay any chance of parole.
On the outside, efforts continue to clear his name. He was featured on the BBC's Rough Justice programme last week.
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