The man wrongly accused of Nikki Allan’s murder has outlined how his life “flipped” as a result of the police errors in the original investigation.

Following David Boyd’s conviction for Nikki’s murder after his trial at Newcastle Crown Court earlier this month, Northumbria Police confirmed it apologised to George Heron for the “mistakes” made in the original investigation.

But in his impact statement, prepared for Boyd’s sentencing hearing, Mr Heron, who now lives away from the North East, spoke of the life-long effect the wrongful allegation has had on him since.

Mr Heron went on trial accused of the murder at Leeds Crown Court, in late 1993, but the case collapsed after the judge ruled his taped confession for Nikki’s murder was inadmissible to the court, due to the, “heavy-handed” police questioning that preceded it during three days of interviews.

Read more: Police apologise to former Sunderland Nikki Allan suspect George Heron

His confession was made after previously denying the killing 120 times.

Following his acquittal on a formal not guilty verdict in 1993, Mr Heron was given a change of identity and moved out of the area.

The judge in the latest trial, Mrs Justice Christina Lambert, did not permit his victim impact statement to be read to today’s (Tuesday May 23) sentencing hearing.

But prosecuting counsel, Richard Wright KC, acknowledged and re-stated publically that two juries have now determined he (George Heron) played no part in the murder of Nikki Allan.

“He is, and was, an innocent man,” added Mr Wright.

But, following today's hearing, the Crown Prosecution Service released a copy of that statement.

Read more: Nikki Allan LIVE: David Boyd is sentenced for killing of Sunderland schoolgirl

It read: “I lost what little honour and property I had as a result of being falsely accused of Nikki Allan’s murder.

“I have had to read and hear (both online and offline), malicious lies being spread about me and my family, some of whom are now deceased, and whose funerals I didn't get a chance to attend (in some cases, I didn't even find out about their deaths until months later).

“When I was arrested and interviewed in October 1992, my DNA was taken and has been held on record since then.

“The police would have been able to check it against any new developments/advances in science.

“Moving around several times and trying to rebuild what is left of my life hasn't been easy.

“Learning to trust anyone is difficult, and I haven’t even felt that I could trust in any professional to get help.

"I have had to learn how to adapt on my own.

“Trusting the police has taken a long time.

“They still make me nervous to the point of feeling nauseous if I am alone with them.

“I don't understand why the original officers couldn't have admitted they made a mistake, apologised and looked at the case again, instead of having a blinkered view and not trying to put things right.

“Originally, I was angry and upset at how I was treated, to the point that I had a drink issue for years (which I have dealt with on my own).

“I survive because I have to, like everyone else.

“I would like answers as to why it took so long to find out the truth.

“Finding out about the current investigation has been difficult, so many details and negative memories, bringing up mixed emotions about what happened back in 1992 and since.

“I feel sadness, disgust, anger and betrayal by people I expected to tell the truth (especially the original investigating officers).

“It is really difficult to put in words what I have felt since 1992, going from trying to look out for my family to having my life flipped upside down.

“Nikki Allan’s murder destroyed so many people's lives.

“I am just one of those people.

Read next:

* David Boyd jailed for killing Sunderland girl Nikki Allan in 1992

* David Boyd found guilty Nikki Allan murder in Sunderland after trial

* Child killer David Boyd's DNA profile was found on Nikki's clothing

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“I could be angry about being unfairly treated from day one, but this isn't about me, it is about getting the real truth out into the open, so her family, and what is left of mine, can have some closure and finally try to move on.

“I hope that people don't blame the present officers for the mistakes that were made in 1992/1993. It is not their fault.

“It was probably as difficult for them reopening the case and they should be given credit for the work they have done trying to get it solved.”

Northumbria’s current Assistant Chief Constable, Alastair Simpson confirmed last week he had written a personal letter of apology to Mr Heron, “for the way he was treated during the 1992 investigation, but also for the impact on his life since then."