Barry George cleared of Dando murder

Barry George has been cleared of the murder of BBC presenter Jill Dando.

George was found guilty of the Crimewatch host's murder in 2001 but was acquitted today following his second trial.

The 48-year-old's second appeal last year prompted his conviction to be thrown out and a retrial was ordered.

Judge Mr Justice Griffith Williams dismissed evidence of a single particle of firearms discharge that was found on George's coat. He was told that the speck, although the same type as found on Dando, could have come from another source.

George, who prosecutors described as a man obsessed with celebrities and guns, will walk free from the Old Bailey today after eight years behind bars.