The Court of Appeal in London has quashed the murder conviction of an Irishman who has spent the past 26 years in prison.
He left prison in Swaleside, Kent, this evening.
Mr Frank Johnson, originally from Oliver Plunkett Terrace, Clonmel, has continually protested his innocence since he was convicted in September 1976 of the murder of John Sheridan, his friend and employer at Whitechapel, east London, in February 1975.
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Mr Frank Johnson leaving prison this evening
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He was arrested in December 1975 on the evidence of two co-defendants, Mr Jack Tierney, a police informer, and Mr David Smart, a former soldier. The prosecution claimed the three conspired to rob Mr Sheridan of £4,000, which was hidden in the shop. All three were convicted of the murder in September 1976. Mr Tierney and Mr Smart have since been released.
The Court heard today, the second day of the hearing, that Mr Johnson, who dismissed his lawyers at his trial, was mentally ill at the time of the trial.
He had turned down the chance of parole, which would have enabled him to leave prison years ago, insisting wanted to prove his innocence.
The appeal was heard by Lord Justice Longmore, Mr Justice Wright and the Recorder of London.
"We have come to the conclusion that in the light of the medical history of this case, the medical evidence, it is impossible for us to say that Mr Johnson's conviction is a safe conviction. It will therefore be quashed," Lord Justice Longmore said in his ruling.
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The hearing came almost three years after the case was referred to the Court of Appeal by the Criminal Cases Review Commission.
This followed the disclosure of evidence which supporters claim might have prevented Mr Johnson from being charged for murder.
High-profile supporters on both sides of the Irish Sea include South Tipperary TD Mr Seamus Healy and Mr Billy Power of the Birmingham Six.
Speaking outside Swaleside prison in Kent immediately after his release, Mr Johnson said: "I'm so glad to be out after 27 years."
"The feeling is unbelievable, you can't put it into words really. It's very fresh out here, I have always wanted to come out in the summer. I have always hated the winter - so this is it."
When asked what will be the first thing he will do now he has been released Mr Johnson said: "I will be having a drink with my friend Billy Power."
He met Mr Power, one of the Birmingham Six, while they were in prison together at Wormwood Scrubs in 1976.
Mr Power said the plan tonight was for his friend to enjoy a plate of steak and chips.