A MAN found guilty of torturing to death a drug-dealer at his Cheshire cannabis farm has had his convictions quashed by top judges - but must now face a third trial.

Otis Matthews, aged 29, of Melbourne Avenue, Stretford, was jailed for life after he was convicted of murdering Brian Waters, 43, who was allegedly butchered over a £20,000 drug debt.

Matthews was also found guilty by a jury in December 2004 of conspiring to cause grievous bodily harm over injuries caused to a friend of Mr Waters, Suleman Razak.

The prosecution claimed Mr Waters was "hung over a beam" in a barn at Burnt House Farm, Tabley, near Knutsford - where he cultivated cannabis - and beaten to the point of death in the presence of his children.

Matthews denied murder, and involvement in the attack on Mr Razak.

He has already twice stood trial for the alleged crimes, with the first jury being unable to agree a verdict.

His case reached the Appeal Court this week as his lawyers challenged the safety of his convictions - which they claimed were undermined by fundamental unfairness.

And, after two days in court, Lord Justice Tuckey - sitting with Mr Justice Holman and Dame Heather Steel - allowed his appeal.

"We are compelled to conclude that the conviction is unsafe," he told the court.

He described the prospect of a third trial as "appalling ... for the victims in particular but also for the public in general."

No date was set for the re-trial.

Lymm man Christopher More, wanted by police in connection with the murder, was this week named in the top 10 of a police most wanted list.

Police believe he has fled to Spain and have called on ex-pats living there to help catch him.