George launches compensation bid

Barry George, who sepnt eight years in jail before being cleared after a retrial in 2008, is seeking a High Court ruling that could open the way for him to claim up to £500,000.

His case is one of five being brought before the High Court to establish who is entitled to payments in "miscarriages of justice" cases following a landmark decision by the Supreme Court in May 2011.

Mr George's claim for damages was rejected by the Ministry of Justice on the grounds that he was not legally entitled to compensation. Justice Secretary Chris Grayling is defending the decision during what is scheduled to be a three-day hearing.

Ian Glen QC, appearing for Mr George, is asking Mr Justice Beatson and Mr Justice Irwin to rule that the decision to deny compensation is "defective and contrary to natural justice" and a breach of the right to a fair trial under article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Mr Glen contends there is no material to suggest that an "open-minded reconsideration" of his client's case has taken place following an original decision that was "flawed by illegality."

The proceedings follow a ruling by the Supreme Court which redefined the legal meaning of what constitutes a "miscarriage of justice" after debating when compensation should be paid to those wrongly convicted of crime.

The hearing continues tomorrow.