A 25-YEAR battle to prove the innocence of convicted murderer Harold Williams could end this month, nearly three years after the Tupsley man died.

The case of Harold 'Ginger' Williams, convicted in 1977 of the murder of his former partner Margaret Davies, is due before the Court of Appeal on March 26.

Mr Williams, who died in jail after refusing an early release that would have entailed him admitting guilt, will be represented by his sister Sheila Davies, long-term campaigner and former MEP David Hallam and other family members.

His sister said: "Harold might be dead and gone, it might be three years in October since he died, but I have said from the beginning while I have got my eyes open and I am breathing I will fight to clear his name so he can rest in peace in his grave."

Mr Williams died in the early hours of October 9, 2000, at Burton General Hospital as he was preparing for a day's leave from prison to meet family and friends and prepare his continuing appeal.

Evidence surrounding one of the most infamous murders to take place in the county has been hotly contested since the conviction.

The circumstantial evidence upon which the conviction was made is opposed by witnesses who claim they saw the murder victim more than 12 hours after she was supposed to have been killed.

This evidence may now be backed by scientific proof.

The result of the hearing is not expected for at least two weeks from when case is heard.