A man who spent three decades in prison based in part on a single strand of hair has won release as he awaits a new trial in Massachusetts.
Judge Robert Kane ruled Wednesday that George Perrot can be freed on personal recognizance while he awaits trial.
Perrot was convicted in 1985 of raping a 78-year-old woman in her Springfield home.
Kane agreed with prosecutors that Perrot has a history of disciplinary problems and escape attempts during his time in prison. But he said there is strong evidence that Perrot did not commit the rape and he is "reasonably sure" that prosecutors will not win a conviction if they go through with a retrial.
Kane granted Perrot a new trial last month, citing flawed FBI testimony about microscopic hair analysis.
