Controversial cases could go to trial again

SECOND trials in notorious cases such as the murders of Stephen Lawrence and Damilola Taylor could go ahead under a sweeping reform of the trial system announced by the British Home Secretary yesterday.

David Blunkett wants to dilute the 800-year-old principle of double jeopardy which prevents anyone being tried twice for the same crime.

The change will be retrospective, so suspects already acquitted could find themselves back in the dock if there is "compelling new evidence".