Sam Hallam’s mother speaks following dramatic news of the Hoxton man’s release
Sam Hallam’s mother expressed her shock that her son is free after seven years saying: “I didn’t think it would happen today.”
Wendy Cohen spoke of her surprise at the sudden announcement that the prosecution would not oppose the appeal, on the first day of the Court of Appeal hearing.
She said: “I am shocked, but this should never have happened in the first place. It has been terrible for Sam and the family has gone through hell. His dad is not here. It has been terrible for Sam and all my children. It shouldn’t have happened in first place, we said that from day one. I didn’t think it would happen today but after this morning I thought it might.”
Mr Hallam, 24, of Hoxton, was jailed in 2005 for the murder of 21-year-old trainee chef Essayas Kassahun. Mr Kassahun died in hospital two days after a brawl on the St Luke’s Estate in Finsbury a year earlier.
Today Mr Hallam, who was 17 at the time of the killing and has always maintained his innocence – insisting he wasn’t even at the scene – was told he would be released on bail after the prosecution’s decision, pending the final judgement tomorrow.
You may also want to watch:
Mr Hallam’s father was found hanged in 2010.
Most Read
- 1 Thousands back petition for exemptions in Highbury People Friendly Streets
- 2 Tributes paid to Islington student fatally stabbed in Tottenham
- 3 Two 16-year-olds charged with murder of Islington student
- 4 Number of Islington opiate addicts seeking help doubles during lockdown
- 5 Man wrestled to floor during attempted robbery in Finsbury Park
- 6 Islington man sentenced for antisemitic graffiti in Stamford Hill
- 7 Countryside walking would be lovely - but the city has much to offer
- 8 Old Street roundabout project moves into final phase
- 9 Man dies after collapsing in Islington
- 10 Thames Water faces councillors’ anger over billing changes for tenants