Nat Fraser wins appeal against murder conviction

A MAN found guilty of the murder of his estranged wife - whose body has never been found - won an appeal at the highest court in the land today.

Five Supreme Court justices announced their decision in the case of Nat Fraser (above), from Elgin, Moray, Scotland, who was jailed for life in 2003 after a jury found him guilty of killing his wife Arlene in April 1998.

He is serving a minimum term of 25 years.

During a hearing in March it was argued that the 52-year-old former fruit and vegetable wholesaler did not receive a fair trial.

Mrs Fraser was 33 when she disappeared from her home in New Elgin, Moray, on April 28, 1998.

The Supreme Court announced that the Scottish High Court must now decide whether Fraser should face a new trial.

The Supreme Court said journalists should be cautious about reporting details of evidence until a decision had been taken about a re-trial.

One justice, Lord Hope, said the media should "refrain from any discussion of the detail or strength of the evidence" until the re-trial issue was resolved.

Prosecutors in Scotland said they would seek to bring "fresh proceedings".

"We have noted the Supreme Court's decision," said a Crown Office spokeswoman. "The Crown will now seek authority to bring fresh proceedings against Nat Fraser for the murder of his wife, Arlene."