When the news finally came they screamed and hugged each other. They had wanted her to come home and when they heard the verdict it seemed almost unbelievable. Once again Louise Woodward's supporters found themselves gathered around the television screens at the Rigger pub in Elton, Cheshire last night. And when the verdict came they could hardly contain their delight.
As villagers sent fireworks into the sky the headquarters of the Louise Woodward Campaign for Justice erupted with whoops of delight and relief.
Speaking on Channel Five news last night, a supporter said it was "brilliant news. It's fantastic." The village of Elton had been wholly behind the campaign to bring Louise back to Britain, another said, "but we won't rest until she is home. There may be an appeal but we won't rest until she is with us. We don't know yet if we will have a party. It all depends on Louise."
Earlier the Woodward camp appeared stunned as news of Judge Zobel's decision filtered through to them at the Rigger pub. Campaigners sat staring at the television screen bringing them the reaction from Massachusetts. Others huddled around computer screens, logged on to the website where Judge Zobel announced his decision.
It was 30 minutes before an official statement from the Louise Woodward Campaign for Justice came on the Internet, expressing dismay and disappointment and promising "to carry on fighting to clear Louise's name. Louise has been told of the decision."
Mr Philip Johnston, the president of EF Au Pair agency in Elton which placed Louise Woodward with the Eappen family, also joined the supporters at the Rigger pub and said that although he welcomed the judge's decision, justice would be served only when the verdict was overturned.
"We appreciate Judge Zobel's willingness to reconsider the jury's verdict," Mr Johnston said. "No matter how strong our conviction that Louise is innocent, our hearts continue to go out to the Eappen family for the grief and suffering they have endured over the loss of their child."
Paul Cullen adds: Relief followed disappointment among the Irish supporters of Louise Woodward as the day's dramatic events unfolded 3,000 miles away. After judge Zobel decided to reduce the verdict to involuntary manslaughter there were grim expectations that the 19-year-old English au pair was facing a long stretch in prison.
But by evening it was joy unconfined in the ad hoc group, as the judge sentenced Woodward to 279 days - the period she has already served. Mr Joe McCormac, a petrol station manager who is chairman of the Louise Woodward Irish support group, said he was "utterly relieved" that she was to be freed.
However, Mr McCormac said the campaign would continue until her name was totally cleared. He was also concerned that Woodward would not be allowed leave Massachussetts until her appeal was heard, as her passport has been confiscated by the authorities.
The Irish support group was formed only last week after people who had contributed to radio talk shows on the case swapped telephone numbers. A six-member committee has organised a petition, collections and vigils outside the American embassy. "This decision is a first step, but the campaign goes on until Louise is completely cleared," said Ms Hardy-Nayor, vice-chairwoman of the group.
The group has already collected several thousand pounds, all of which is being forwarded to Woodward's home village of Elton in Cheshire. More than 1,000 people signed a petition on Dublin's Grafton Street calling for her release.