Ward's conviction is overturned

Paul Ward, the only person to be jailed for the 1996 Dublin murder of Sunday Independent journalist Veronica Guerin, today had his conviction overturned.

However Ward will not be set free as he must serve time for an unrelated offence.

The appeal was heard over four days earlier this month by the three-judge court, consisting of Mr Justice Murphy, Mr Justice O Caoimh and Mr Justice McKechnie.

The court reserved judgment on March 8. In November 1998, Ward (37), was jailed for life by the non-jury Special Criminal Court for the murder of Ms Guerin (36), a Sunday Independent journalist.

She was shot dead by a pillion passenger on a motorcycle which drew up alongside her at traffic lights.