Appeal court clears man of murders

FLORENCE - An appeal court yesterday acquitted the man convicted of being the "Monster of Florence" sexual serial killer, reopening…

FLORENCE - An appeal court yesterday acquitted the man convicted of being the "Monster of Florence" sexual serial killer, reopening one Italy's most sensational criminal mysteries.

The Florence Court of Appeal cleared Mr Pietro Pacciani (70), of 14 sexual murders between 1974 and 1985, all in isolated countryside near the Tuscan capital. Court officials said Mr Pacciani could be released from prison as early as yesterday evening.