The Supreme People's Procuracy has decided to prosecute a former judge for wrongly imprisoning a man from the northern province of Bac Giang for 10 years.

Nguyen Thanh Chan, 52, from Bac Giang, was sentenced to life in jail in 2004 for killing a woman. He was then set free on November 4, 2013, after the real murderer, Ly Nguyen Chung, confessed to police.

According to investigation results, a former judge of the Supreme People's Procuracy Pham Tuan Chiem, failed in his responsibility, failed to check and assess documents and evidence in line with regulations.

He is also accused of using illegally collected evidence which led to an incorrect sentence being handed down to Nguyen Thanh Chan for murder.

Chiem, 65, from Ha Noi, will be charged with lacking responsibility and causing serious consequences under Penal Code Article 285.

Chan, 52, from Bac Giang, was sentenced to life in jail in 2004 for killing a woman. He was then set free on November 4, 2013, after the real murderer, Ly Nguyen Chung, confessed to police.

Provincial authorities created favourable conditions for Chan and his family to overcome their difficulties, especially the trauma caused by the incorrect jail term.

President Truong Tan Sang has asked concerned agencies to compensate Chan for a crime he did not commit.

According to the files, during his 10 years in prison Chan sent numerous letters to jailers saying that he had not killed the woman.

He alleged that the killer was, in fact, Chung.

Chan's wife also sent a letter to the Investigation Department of the Supreme People's Procuracy, reiterating these claims.

After receiving the letter, investigators conducted an intensive investigation of Chung, prompting him to flee.

On October 25, 2013, Chung gave himself up and admitted his crime.

Under current regulations, former judge Chiem could be sentenced to between three and 12 years in prison.

VNS/VNN