Detectives investigating the reopened Deventer murder case have discovered new evidence that may clear the man jailed for the crime, according to media reports.

Jacqueline Wittenberg was murdered in Deventer in 1999 and her former financial advisor Ernst Louwes was found guilty of her murder after a lengthy legal battle and served a 12-year sentence.

It is one of the most controversial cases in Dutch legal history. Louwes was originally found not guilty at his initial trial in 2000. Two further trials based on further evidence followed before he was found guilty. Louwes has always maintained his innocence and wants his name cleared.

New evidence has now emerged and the case has been reopened.

Among the new evidence is the fact that forensic experts have now established that the date of death was not September 23 1999 but September 24, a day for which Louwes has an alibi.

The investigation continues.