Barry George will take lie detector test

Barry George: 'I didn't kill Jill Dando, I was stalking another woman'

Barry George, the man cleared last week of killing Jill Dando, said yesterday he could not have killed the Crimewatch presenter because he was stalking another woman.

George also said that the photograph showing a man holding a handgun and wearing a gas mask found at his flat, was not him.

The News of the World secured an interview with George yesterday for a five-figure sum and in it George revealed: 'I didn't kill Jill Dando. I was stalking another woman. I walked with her for a bit and, from her perspective, maybe it was unwanted attention.'

George, who suffers from cognitive impairment and has an IQ of 75, was quizzed about why he did not give evidence at his retrial, to which he replied: 'I never refused to give evidence. My legal team advised that it would be inappropriate.'

Of the disturbing photo, widely published as George, he said: 'That's not me!' But said he couldn't divulge any more because of 'legal issues'.

Having spent the last eight years in jail for Dando's murder, George has been making plans as a free man. He revealed in the interview he plans to go on holiday, watch Leeds United football team play and adjust slowly to life outside.

He is understood to be staying at a hotel with his sister, Michelle Diskin, who has campaigned relentlessly for his release since he was arrested in 2000.

'I won't follow women anymore, I know it's wrong,' admitted George. 'I will be vigilant from now on. I am never going to give anyone the chance to send me away again. I have changed.'

The 48-year-old said he was 'very remorseful' about his actions towards women – he has convictions for both attempted rape and indecent assault.

'If I could go back in time and change that I would,' George said and followed by apologising to women he had frightened in the past.

George is so adamant of his innocence he has said he will take a lie detector test. He revealed to clinical psychologist, Dr Susan Young, he was certain he would be convicted of Jill Dando's killing.

His solicitor, Jeremy Moore, said George would now be seeking compensation from the government as a victim of a miscarriage of justice. It is estimated the sum could be as much as £500,000.