Retrial Set For Dando Murder

The man accused of killing Jill Dando is facing a retrial.

Barry George, 47, of Fulham, west London, had his conviction quashed last year but now he will face a retrial at the Old Bailey.

The popular BBC TV presenter was shot on the doorstep of her Fulham home in April 1999.

Mr George who has strongly denied shooting Ms Dando, was arrested a year after the incident. A speck of firearm residue was found on his coat.

Three judges have concluded that "in the light of fresh scientific evidence about firearms residue", there was "no certainty that the jury would have convicted Mr George" at his original trial in 2001.

They added that the jury had been "misled" about the significance of the firearm residue and have ordered the retrial.

Mr Justice Griffith Williams says that potential jurors would be given a questionnaire that could rule them out of service. Among those barred from the service are members of the Metropolitan Police, past or present BBC staff and relatives of Ms Dando.

A panel of 20 jurors are to be selected, the final 12 jurors will be sworn in on Wednesday.

The trial is expected to last between six to eight weeks but will only take place after several days of legal debate.

Ms Dando, of Somerset, worked for the BBC for 14 years. The BBC has set up a bursary award in Dando's memory which enables a student each year to study broadcast journalism at the University College Falmouth.

(DS)