Salt three released from prison

The Salt nightclub, where the fight began, is now closed

Three men acquitted of the murder of a man outside a South Yarra nightclub in 2002, have been released from prison.

James Huynh was hacked to death with samurai swords, after a fight with a group of men at the Salt nightclub.

Long Tran, Hong Bui and Hoang Tran were convicted and sentenced to 15 years jail.

But they are free today, after the Victorian Court of Appeal found they played no role in the killing.

Mr Huynh's cousins, Viet and Nam Huynh, jumped into the Yarra River and drowned.

Cuong Lam and Hung Van were originally sentenced to 30 years jail for the murders of James Huynh and his cousins.

But the convictions over the murders of Viet and Nam Huynh have been quashed.

The Appeal Court found there was not enough evidence to prove they chased the cousins to the Yarra.

Their sentences have been reduced to 18 years with a minimum of 15.

Related:

Five acquitted in Salt nightclub case
The Victorian Court of Appeal has acquitted five men, and reduced the sentences for two others, jailed over the Salt nightclub killings at South Yarra in 2002.