Ringsell, 36, who was convicted by a Tunisian court of murdering his 24-year-old wife Angie on holiday in 1992, has been freed by President Zine Lel Abidine Ben Ali as part of the celebrations to mark the 34th anniversary of the country's independence.

His father Stuart, 64, a postman, of Westhorpe Park, Little Marlow, said no reason had been given for his son's release but presidential pardons were granted regularly.

He heard the news on March 19 when a man, who was helping his son in Tunisia, telephoned him. "I thought someone was having a laugh, a joke. There was no indication that he Robert was going to be released," he said.

Ringsell visited his family after being freed but he has now gone to Germany "to start a new life".

Mr Ringsell said his son had no plans to see his wife's family who are looking after the couple's seven-year-old son.

The Tunisian court in 1992 found Ringsell guilty of murdering his wife in a trial which lasted less than 30 minutes. He was sentenced to 20 years in a Tunisian jail and was ordered to pay his wife's parents £28,000 compensation.

Throughout the proceedings, Ringsell protested his innocence. "I will swear on the Bible that he is innocent of that crime," his father said.

Angie's parents Doug and Margaret Harris, of Savay Close, Denham, said they "could not believe" the news. "We did not expect him to get off after seven years. He should serve the 20-year sentence," said Mr Harris.

A spokesman for the Tunisian Embassy said presidential pardons were a normal practice. Ringsell's was one of a number granted as part of the country's celebrations.

A Foreign Office spokesman said they were notified of Ringsell's release on March 20.

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