Reality star Kim Kardashian West has thrown the social media spotlight on a campaign for justice for a man who was wrongly kept on death row for over 20 years.

Kim tweeted about the “heartbreaking” story of Kerry Max Cook, who was sentenced to death in 1977 for the rape and murder of 21-year-old Linda Jo Edwards, which DNA evidence has since proved he did not commit.

Kim Kardashian offered her support to Kerry Max Cook (Ian West/PA)Kim Kardashian has offered her support to Kerry Max Cook (Ian West/PA)

Kerry has been free since 1999 after accepting a plea bargain of no-contest with no admission of guilt, but the state of Texas has contested a full exoneration which would see him eligible for more than three million US dollars (£2.12 million) in compensation, plus additional benefits, for the 22 years he was imprisoned.

In a series of tweets, Kim said she had Googled Kerry’s story when she could not sleep.

Kerry Max Cook, pictured in 1999, spent 22 years on death row (LM OTERO/AP/PA)Kerry Max Cook, pictured in 1999, spent 22 years on death row (LM OTERO/AP/PA)

She encouraged her fans to get behind the campaign to support him and “#RightThisWrong”.

Kerry is one step closer to exoneration after a judge dismissed murder charges against him earlier this month.

The ruling sends the matter to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals where he will seek a full exoneration.