Cardiff Three man dies

Yusef Abdullahi, one of the three men wrongly jailed for the murder of Lynette White in 1988, has died aged 49. His death comes almost 20 years after the Guardian ran a story, in its Justice on Trial series, about the men serving a life sentence for the murder of White in Bute Town, Cardiff . The so-called Cardiff Three – Abdullahi, Tony Parris and Steve Miller – protested their innocence and their lawyers, relatives and friends campaigned for their case to be reopened. They were successful and won their appeal in 1992. Abdullahi died in hospital as result of a "burst ulcer". His barrister, Roger Backhouse QC, said today: "Yusef's life was a modern tragedy as he had human qualities which given a different set of circumstance would have led him to lead a useful and fulfilling life. I shall never forget him for his courtesy, dignity and resolve." White, who had worked as a prostitute, was murdered in the early hours of 14 February 1988. The three men were among a group of eight people arrested. Even after they were freed on appeal, they faced suspicion. It was not until 2003 that the real murderer, Jeffrey Gafoor, pleaded guilty and was jailed for life. All three were given compensation. Thirteen serving and former police officers were charged in connection with the case. A trial is due to start in May.