Sunday, 24 Nov 2024

Home at last: Sally Challen and her sons’ relief at her new freedom

David, who tweeted the picture, wrote: “First day home with our mother after nine years in prison.” The mother of two won an appeal against her conviction for killing Richard, 61, at their home in Claygate, Surrey. She has been released on bail ahead of a retrial. Sally, 65, attacked her husband with a hammer after decades of what she described as coercive and controlling behaviour. “We have never entertained the thought of our mother being released before now, every moment we now spend with her is so precious and we look forward to all of it,” said David and James in a joint statement. They said they planned to enjoy a weekend of “normal” family life, ordering takeaway and cooking Sunday lunch.

Mrs Challen left HMP Bronzefield, Surrey, with her sons on Friday evening. David has said he was looking forward to showing his mother how life has changed.

“I’ve got so much to show her, she’s not seen the world for such a long time – all the new technology,” said David. “There’s also the basics of going out and walking around as a normal person.”

He also wants to treat her to a meal and pay for it. “I’ve never done that in my life,” he said.

Sally’s conviction was overturned by the Court of Appeal. She was granted bail while she awaits a fresh trial for killing the 61-year-old in August 2010.

She pleaded not guilty to her husband’s murder but admitted to manslaughter on Friday.

The murder conviction was quashed by appeal judges, in light of evidence from a psychiatrist that Mrs Challen was suffering from two mental disorders at the time of the killing.

Ms Challen, who has made legal history with her case, burst into tears as the Court of Appeal announced that her murder conviction had been quashed.

Several supporters present in court broke out into applause as the judges’ decision was announced. ‘Every moment is precious’

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