Sion Jenkins freed on bail pending retrial

Sion Jenkins was freed from prison on bail yesterday while he awaits a retrial for the murder of his foster daughter, Billie-Jo.

The former deputy head teacher will live with his father in Wales, and is not allowed to leave a 10-mile zone except for visiting his legal advisers and attending court.

The 46-year-old was jailed for life six years ago for beating his 13-year-old foster daughter to death, but his conviction was quashed last month after new forensic evidence was uncovered. He was granted bail at a short hearing at the Old Bailey yesterday morning and was released from Belmarsh prison in south London in the afternoon. He will return to the London central criminal court later this year for the fresh murder trial.

He was convicted at Lewes Crown Court in July 1998 of battering Billie-Jo to death with a metal tent spike as she was painting a patio door at their home in Hastings, East Sussex.

Following yesterday's successful bail application, David, the father of Mr Jenkins, said: "We are absolutely delighted that Sion has been allowed bail. It is another step after seven years towards getting justice."