Sally Challen pictured at home with sons after husband murder conviction quashed

Sally Challen has given her first interview since her release from jail in June
David Challen
Ella Wills7 April 2019
WEST END FINAL

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Sally Challen's son's have shared a picture with their mother on her first day freedom as she awaits a retrial for the murder of their father.

David Challen posted a photo on Twitter of them and brother James following her release.

Georgina Challen, known as Sally, said she killed 61-year-old Richard Challen in a hammer attack in August 2010 after decades of being coerced and humiliated by him.

She was jailed for life for the murder of the former car dealer following a trial at Guildford Crown Court in 2011.

But after years of campaigning by her sons David and James Challen, her conviction was quashed and a new trial ordered at the Court of Appeal.

Murder conviction quashed: Sally Challen won a landmark appeal today after a new law came into force
PA

On Friday, Challen appeared at the Old Bailey by video-link to enter a not guilty plea to murder but a plea of guilty to manslaughter.

She was granted bail ahead of her retrial in July.

On Saturday, Mr Challen posted a photograph of himself with his mother and brother.

He wrote: "First day at home with our mother after 9 years in prison."

He had revealed on Friday his mother had been released from HMP Bronzefield in Ashford, Surrey, after receiving a tweet of support from Spice Girl Mel B.

The singer tweeted "I'm soooo happy for your family" in response to the news Challen had been granted bail.

Mr Challen replied: "Thanks Mel! We just picked her up! She's in the car with me right now!!!"

Speaking outside court, Mr Challen said: "Today we are overjoyed that bail has been granted for our mother and she will be now released back to us. Our mother now rejoins our family."

Asked what it will be like when she walks out of prison on Saturday, he said: "It's a massive moment."

He added: "It's a happy day for us, we get to see her again."

Mr Challen added that the family are looking forward to "being together again after so long".

The defendant's brother, Chris Jenney, said: "The family are all supporting Sally. We have done from day one. Our strength's built and will build even further. This is a fantastic day for us."

Mr Justice Edis granted Challen conditional bail following an application by defence lawyer Clare Wade QC.

He said the defendant should be released from custody on Saturday from 12 noon.

But it emerged on Friday evening that Challen had been released ahead of time.

Mr Challen also took the time to thank prison staff, posting on Twitter that "everyone at HMP Bronzefield have been so lovely to us".

Challen's retrial is due to take place at the Old Bailey to allow space for all the press interested in the case.

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