Colin Stagg, now 57, still gets recognised by strangers while working shifts at a Tesco supermarket. He was at the centre of a controversial murder investigation despite being completely innocent of the 1992 killing of Rachel Nickell on Wimbledon Common.
Stagg spent a year in prison after being wrongly accused of the brutal murder, which saw the 23-year-old mother stabbed to death in broad daylight in front of her two-year-old son. Police, under immense pressure, launched one of the most shocking ensnarements in history, targeting Stagg, a 'loner' who walked his dog on the Common.
As part of Operation Ezdell, an undercover police officer posed as a romantic interest using the alias 'Lizzie James' to try to extract a confession. Over five months, she encouraged Stagg to discuss his sexual fantasies, including details of the murder, but he never admitted responsibility. Stagg later said he made up fantasies to impress her.
Police also plotted to kidnap his pet dog, Brandy, believing he would confess to get her back, but the plan was abandoned. Stagg was eventually cleared, and the real killer, Robert Napper, was convicted in 2008. Stagg reportedly received £700,000 in compensation but said he 'blew it' on holidays and gifts.
