Halifax man freed after 2 years as witnesses recant

After two yearsbehind bars awaiting trial, Jimmy Melvin Jr. shouted "hallelujah"Friday and said he'slooking forward to a cold beer as a free man.

Melvin, 26,was releasedin Halifax afterthe Crown withdrew 15 charges against him becausetwo witnesses recanted their stories.

"I'm very overwhelmed.Itfeels like it's a hot summer day," he saidoutsidethe courtroom, grasping for words.

"I definitely need a drink to calm my nerves."

Thecharges including robbery,forcible confinement and assault with a firearm related to a March 2007 home invasion in Spryfield, N.S.

The Crown also withdrew charges against co-accused Anastasios Papadopoulos.

Melvin's defence lawyer, Josh Arnold, said he hired a private investigator to track down the Crown's witnesses.

Two of the three provided statements "recanting a substantial amount of information they had previously provided to the police and to the Crown and to the court," Arnold told reporters.

Prosecutor Christine Driscoll told CBC News she has a duty to withdraw charges when there is no chance of a conviction.

Reporters asked Melvin if he wassurprised that the witnesses changed theirtestimony.

"I'm not surprised at all," he replied.

Halifax Regional Police said they'll investigate conflicting sworn statements from the witnesses and will likely refer the matter toprosecutors.

Left a free man

Melvinentered the courtroom Friday in the custody of three sheriffs. At the start of the hearing, he turned to a defence lawyer and said, 'I hope they're happy."

"Justice is all I can think. Freedom. It's been a long legal battle," Melvintold reporters.

He said he spentmost of the last two years in solitary confinement. He wouldn't say why.

AsMelvin thanked his lawyer and family for supporting him, he also sent a messageto the men at the prison in Renous, N.B.

"I feel your pain," Melvin said, adding he was "keeping it real" and "only God can judge me now."

He said he's looking forward to spending time with his family and getting to know his daughter.

Melvin had to post a $5,000 bond before he was released.He still has to face one count ofconspiracy to breaking and entering.

Melvin was the most wanted man in Nova Scotia in the summer of 2006. Police began a provincewide search for him in connection with the shooting death of convicteddrug dealer Wayne Marriott.

Police have blamed a number of firebombings and shootings on a feud between members of the Melvin and Marriott families.