Colin Stagg was acquitted of murdering 23-year-old ex-model Rachel Nickell, who was stabbed to death on Wimbledon Common in 1992. For over a decade he was shrouded in suspicion after a failed police investigation - but new evidence has led to another man being charged with the murder. He awaits trial in November.

Mr Stagg told Sky News: "I have endured that stigma for 15 years. It's fair to say it has ruined my life, yet until now I have never received the slightest apology from the authorities for my ordeal."

He went on to talk about his compensation "the best thing is being able to get off the dole. I am a proud man who has never been afraid of work, but nobody in the countless interviews I have attended has wanted to take me on."

Discussing the compensation award at his west London home, he added: "It still hasn't sunk in properly. I thought at first my solicitor was joking. I admit I got a bit emotional when I realised he wasn't. It means so much to me."

Rachel Nickell pictured left was stabbed on Wimbledon Common in July 1992 whilst walking her dog with her two year old son Alex who lives in mainland Europe with his father - his compensation was £90,000 for trauma and loss of the services of a mother.

Mr Stagg's solicitor Alex Tribick said: "It will allow him to try and rebuild his life and to have some sort of normal existence. But of course what he really wanted was an apology from the Metropolitan Police and I think he has accepted that is something he will never get. He is not angry, he is hurt and disappointed"

 

August 15, 2008