Sally Challen to be freed from prison ahead of murder retrial over husband's death

A woman who was jailed for killing her husband in a hammer attack has been freed on bail after her conviction was overturned.

Sally Challen, whose real name is Georgina, was granted conditional bail at the Old Bailey as she awaits a fresh trial accused of murdering her husband Richard.

Mr Justice Edis said the 65-year-old should be released from custody on Saturday from midday.

Challen pleaded not guilty to her husband's murder but admitted to manslaughter on Friday in her first appearance at the Old Bailey since her original conviction was quashed by the Court of Appeal.

She killed the 61-year-old in August 2010 after 40 years of being controlled and humiliated by him.

Sally and Richard Challen

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

But her conviction was quashed and a retrial ordered at the Court of Appeal in London in February, in light of new evidence which was not available at the time of her first trial.

The Court of Appeal heard evidence relating to Challen's state of mind at the time of the killing and the issue of "coercive control".

Sally Challen will be freed on conditional bail (PA)

Challen, who has been held at HMP Bronzefield, appeared at the Old Bailey by video link on Friday.

Wearing a black blouse, she spoke only to confirm her identity and enter her plea.

Supporters of Georgina Challen outside the Court of Appeal in February (PA)

Mr Justice Edis confirmed the trial would be transferred to the Old Bailey as he set a timetable for the case.

Prosecutor Joel Smith pointed out the size of the public gallery in Court One, saying it was a better venue "given the attention this matter has attracted so far".

Mr Justice Edis set a further hearing for June 7 and a trial on July 1 "if necessary".

Sally Challen's son David outside court last month (PA)

Challen, a former Police Federation worker, has been supported by her sons David and James Challen.

In February, David said his mum's murder conviction being overturned was an “amazing moment” and said he and his brother “never felt the abuse their mother faced was recognised properly.”

As they left court on Friday, Challen's sons smiled and expressed relief that their mum would soon be freed.