Conviction of 'hitman' for killing is 'unsafe'

A MAN convicted of a murder that prosecutors said was ordered by property tycoon Nicholas van Hoogstraten has had his conviction referred to the UK Court of Appeal.

- BY TOM PETTIFOR

Robert Knapp was jailed for a minimum of 20 years in 2002 for the murder of Mohammed Raja.

However, the conviction could now be "unsafe" because the jury should have been given the option of a manslaughter verdict.