Bail possible as Scot is taken off death row after 20 years

Richey was found guilty of starting a fire that killed a two-year-old girl in 1986 but his conviction was overturned earlier this month. Prosecutors in Ohio say they will not challenge that decision, paving the way for retrial and possible bail for Mr Richey.

Brian Laliberte, Ohio deputy first assistant attorney general, was yesterday reported as saying: "Mr Richey will be moved off death row and taken back to the Putnum county jail. He will now be able to apply for bail, although that will be a matter for his lawyer and the courts."

Mr Richey, whose mother was Scottish and father American, was sentenced to death on January 27, 1987, after he was convicted of starting a fire in which Cynthia Collins died in 1986, allegedly because his estranged former girlfriend and her new lover - supposedly the intended targets - lived in the flat beneath. Protesting his innocence, Mr Richey refused a plea bargain which would have led to an 11-year sentence for arson and manslaughter. His death sentence was overturned for a second time on August 10.

Mr Richey was 18 when he left his mother's home in Edinburgh to live with his American father in Ohio.

Mr Richey's mother, Eileen, speaking from her home in Edinburgh, said: "I am absolutely delighted. But I have been here so many times before I just hope it is for real this time. I will believe it fully when I see Kenny walking off the plane at Edinburgh Airport."

Mr Richey's ex-fiancee Karen Torley said: "It is great news that Kenny is going to get his day in court at last.

"This is what the campaign has been all about all these years and what he has wanted."

Source: www.theherald.co.uk

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