May takes murder-conviction fight to grave

Susan May

THE Friends of Susan May are to hold a memorial service following her death from cancer — only weeks before a decision on an appeal against her murder conviction.

Ms May (68) served 12 years for killing her elderly aunt, Hilda Marchbank at Tandle Hills Road in Royton in 1992. She always maintained her innocence and campaigned — backed by 100 MPs and peers — to clear her name in the 20 years following her release.

Ms May, who lived in Dogford Road, Royton, died on Wednesday. She had hoped new evidence from a fingerprint report could overturn her conviction. The prosecution case hinged on a blood-stained hand print, but a fingerprint expert said there was overwhelming evidence the marks weren’t made in blood.

The case has been examined by the Criminal Cases Review Commission and could be referred to the Court of Appeal for a third time.

Ms May’s supporters had urged it to prioritise her case when she suffered a recurrence of cancer.

She told the Chronicle two weeks ago of her “sincere hopes” that her case would be referred back to the Court of Appeal.

Ms May, who was the first person in the UK to be released at her earliest parole date without admitting guilt, had two failed appeals.

The memorial service will be at 3pm on November 16 at Bethesda Chapel, Dogford Road, Royton.