9/11 falsely accused wins fight for cash

Jack Straw told Algerian Lotfi Raissi he is eligible for a payout and the amount will be decided by an independent assessor, Lord Brennan QC.

Last month, the Justice Secretary was given 28 days by the Court of Appeal to decide what should happen.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: "In accordance with the decisions of the Court of Appeal of February 2008 and March 2010 and after careful consideration of all the relevant material available to him, the Justice Secretary, Jack Straw, has notified Mr Raissi that he is eligible for compensation.

"The independent assessor, Lord Brennan QC, will now be asked to consider the amount to be paid to Mr Raissi. Ministers play no part in determining the amount."

Mr Raissi said it was the best day of his life. He said: "I'm completely exonerated by the minister of justice and I'm delighted.

"My life was destroyed, my career was destroyed. I can't even find the words. It was hell for me for the last nine years."

He said he hoped he could now reprise his career as a pilot.