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A man who spent nearly 32 years behind bars has now seen the murder charges against him officially withdrawn.

Romeo Phillion also got an apology from the judge today -- his 71st birthday.

Phillion was convicted of second-degree murder based on a confession he gave police decades ago in connection with the death of firefighter Leopold Roy.

Phillion's murder conviction was struck down by Ontario's top court in March 2009.

The judge in the case ruled the prosecution withheld a key piece of evidence in Phillion's 1972 murder trial.

He was released from prison on bail in 2003 ahead of his appeal hearing.

Phillion has always maintained his innocence.

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