The article, which appeared online just before 2100 BST stayed up for nearly half an hour, included “reactions” from prosecutors who were said to be delighted with the news that Knox would be going back to jail.
Minutes later, the correct news that Knox had been set free and her convictions overturned, dominated the airwaves, internet and radio as the Italian court’s real decision was made public.
The Mail’s website story also carried info that Knox’s boyfriend at the time, Raffaele Sollecito, was to also remain in custody for the remainder of his original 25 year sentence.
STORY: Amanda Knox Verdict: Conviction Overturned
He was also subsequently released and found not guilty murder.
The inaccurate article was accompanied by the headline “Guilty: Amanda Knox looks stunned as appeal against murder conviction is rejected.”
Shortly after the correct verdict came down, web browsers looking for the article were met with the following message:
“Sorry...
The page you have requested does not exist or is no longer available.
If you have typed the URL in by hand, please make sure you have entered it correctly, with no capital letters of spaces.”
STORY: Amanda Knox's Conviction Overturned: What People are Saying
The article, complete with quotes from prosecutors claiming “justice had been done” by the verdict that later turned out to be the wrong one, was captured by sites including WhatCulture.com and PaidContent.co.uk.