In Florida a man who spent 35 years in prison for a crime he did not commit has been released.

James Bain, who is now 54 years-old, was convicted of kidnapping and raping a nine-year-old boy in 1974.

At the time, the boy recognised Mr Bain as his attacker, but there was no technical evidence.

His alibi that he was watching television with his twin sister was not believed. A DNA test has proved the man’s innocence.

The case was reopened as a result of work by the Innocence Project in Florida, which has already secured the release of 246 prisoners.

One of these prisoners had spent 27 years behind bars.

Photo: James Bain - Screenshot CNN