Jailed man freed after 27 years

London - Stephen Downing (44), who was jailed for life when he was 17 for killing a woman at his home town of Bakewell, was yesterday ready to enjoy his first taste of freedom for 27 years. His freedom follows an Appeal Court concession that his latest appeal, expected to take place in around three months, is likely to succeed. Downing was yesterday granted bail on undisclosed terms by Mr Justice Pitchford after being told that the prosecution was not opposing bail.