The stepmum of Lee Clegg today told how she visited his father's grave after hearing the paratrooper had been cleared of murder.

Mrs Caroline Clegg, of Cleckheaton said Lee's father, Stan, had lived for the day his son's innocence would be proved.

Tragically Stan died nine months ago.

Soldier Lee, 30, from Lidget Green, wept at Belfast Crown Court when he was cleared of killing 18-year-old Karen Reilly in 1990.

At a 39-day retrial, the judge, Mr Justice Kerr, overturned the decision of the original trial which was upheld at an appeal and by the House of Lords. But Lee was convicted of attempting to wound with intent car driver Martin Peake.

Mrs Clegg said: "I went down to the cemetery after hearing the news and put the flowers on his (Stan's) grave and let him know. This is the day that he lived for.

"I am sure if he is looking down that he will be overjoyed. This is fantastic news. It is something that we have all been working so hard for. I'm sure we'll have some form of celebration"

Mrs Clegg said she had spoken to Lee's sister Dawn.

"There were a lot of tears - we always knew that he was innocent. How we are feeling is indescribable. We are just deliriously over the moon," she said.

Lee and his mother and step father were due to fly home from Belfast today.

His legal adviser Simon McKay said today: "There has been no suggestion of him leaving the Army.

"The conviction for attempting to wound with intent will be the subject of an appeal, and we feel very confident about it."

Mr McKay added: "Lee felt an emptiness that his late father Stan was not here to witness the acquittal."

Meanwhile Lee's neighbours at Lidget Green were also thrilled with the news.

A close family friend said the only words that could describe yesterday's events were "over the moon".

"It has been a hell of a battle for all the family. Lee is such a nice lad," she said.

Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe who first raised Lee's situation in Parliament was delighted. He said: "Justice has been done in this case and I am very pleased."

The re-trial was ordered last year after the defence came up with forensic evidence. Mr Justice Kerr said he was not satisfied to the standard required that Clegg fired the shot which killed Miss Reilly.

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