More than 150 British MPs backed a parliamentary motion...

More than 150 British MPs backed a parliamentary motion to secure justice for Kenny Richey, who had spent the last 17 years on death row in Ohio. The motion, tabled by Liberal Democrat MP Alistair Carmichael called on Tony Blair to make direct and robust representations on behalf of Richey. Politicians from all political parties supported the motion which noted that important forensic and eye witness evidence cast serious doubt on Richey's conviction. In February Mr Carmichael and Kate Allen, director of Amnesty International UK, visited Richey in prison. Mr Carmichael said: "I challenge anyone to look at Kenny's case and suggest that justice has been done. For this man to be put to death when such substantial questions surrounding his conviction exist would be an affront to justice and humanity. In the coming months Kenny will hear the result of his final appeal. If this is unsuccessful, it will be essential for our prime minister to use his influence to try and prevent the death of this man." Richey, 39, brought up in Edinburgh, was sentenced to death in 1986 for starting a fire that killed a toddler.