ONE of the UK’s leading miscarriage of justice solicitors has launched an appeal for witnesses to come forward in the case of an Edgeley man convicted of murder in July, 2005.

John Higgins, 24, was jailed for life at Manchester Court, after being convicted of kicking homeless man Kevin Thompson, 68, to death in a bus shelter on Greek Street.

Earlier this year the Higgins family, who were desperate to get somebody to listen to their concerns, approached the Stockport Express, after which top solicitor Campbell Malone agreed to examine the case.

He is now seeking vital witnesses to come forward to help clear Higgins’ name.

Mr Malone explained: "We are looking closely into Mr Higgins’ conviction. Our feeling is that there were people out and about who may have seen something. It’s understandable that witnesses have so far been reluctant to come forward, but they should now do so in strict confidence."

Mr Malone first made his name after helping clear the name of Stefan Kiszko, who was wrongly convicted of the murder of Rochdale schoolgirl Lesley Molseed in 1975. He has also worked on many other high profile miscarriage of justice cases.

Mr Malone added: "I have seen Mr Higgins in Strangeways Prison and he is very insistent that he was not guilty and is determined to clear his name and I found these things both impressive and troubling."

Mr Thompson died in hospital in the early hours of January 28, 2005, shortly after the attack.

During Higgins’ trial Det Insp John Ogdon of Greater Manchester Police said the attack on Mr Thompson was "sustained and violent" and resulted in Mr Thompson’s death. The shoes used in the attack were found at the home of Higgins and after his arrest he gave three different versions of events about the attack on Mr Thompson.

Anyone with information is asked to telephone Mr Malone on 01942 774328, or the Stockport Express newsdesk telephone 475 4833.