Public cash '˜paid for lawyers in Luke Mitchell appeal bid'

Convicted killer Luke Mitchell's latest appeal was started using taxpayers' cash - it has been revealed.

Luke Mitchell. Picture: TSPL

Mitchell, who was found guilty of murdering his girlfriend Jodi Jones near her home in Midlothian in 2003, has always maintained his innocence.

Now it has emerged that lawyers were paid almost £500 in ‘advice and assistance’ fees.

It is believed the money, from the public purse, allowed the lawyers to help Mitchell, 29, fill out an application form.

The killer’s latest appeal bid was announced by campaigners in October.

The Miscarriage for Justice Organisation has said it is helping compile a new report to the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission. The charity believe the original investigation into the killing was flawed.

The commission has the power to refer the case back to the High Court if they think there are no grounds to do so.