A man found guilty of murdering a decorated Second World War veteran has had his conviction referred to the Court of Appeal, the Criminal Cases Review Commission has announced.

Michael Webb was convicted of killing Clarence Cooper during a burglary in August 1994 at his home in Alexandra Road, Walsall.

He was jailed for life following a trial at Stafford Crown Court in March 1996.

An 18-year-old was also convicted of murder and ordered to be detained at her Majesty's pleasure, while a third defendant, also 18 at the time, was given a five-year sentence for manslaughter.

Webb was denied leave to appeal in May 1997 and made two previous unsuccessful applications to the CCRC.

But the body, which was set up to investigate possible miscarriages of justice in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, said in a statement: "Having considered issues including developments in the law relating to joint enterprise the Commission has decided to refer the case back to the Court of Appeal."

Mr Cooper, aged 84, who served in the Burma campaign and received the Military Medal for his bravery in fighting the Japanese, was repeatedly stabbed and died after being gagged with a handkerchief.