Man executed by lethal injection for 1997 Oklahoma hammer killing

James Coddington was executed for a 1997 murder (Oklahoma Department of Corrections/AP/PA)

Oklahoma has executed a man for a 1997 killing, despite a recommendation from the state’s Pardon and Parole Board that his life be spared.

James Coddington, 50, received a lethal injection at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary and was pronounced dead at 10.16am local time.