Grace Millane murderer to appeal conviction and sentence
A New Zealand court found the man guilty in November and later sentenced him to serve at least 17 years in prison.
British backpacker Grace Millane’s murderer has begun the process of appealing against his conviction and his prison sentence, his barrister said.
Auckland-based Rachael Reed QC told the PA news agency: “I can confirm that I act for him and an appeal against conviction and sentence has been filed” in the New Zealand Court of Appeal.
Lawyers Ian Brookie and Ron Mansfield led the defence of the 28-year-old, who cannot be named due to a suppression order, during his trial.
Ms Millane’s body was later found in a suitcase buried in a forested area outside the city.
Last month the man was jailed for at least 17 years for the murder.
A jury in November rejected that argument and found the man guilty.
Murder typically comes with a life sentence in New Zealand. Prosecutors successfully argued that the man must serve 17 years before becoming eligible for parole.
Mr Brookie and Mr Mansfield had asked for their then-client to serve 12 years, later indicating he would appeal.
In sentencing, Justice Simon Moore told the murderer his actions amounted to “conduct that underscores a lack of empathy and sense of self-entitlement and objectification”.
Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Inspector Scott Beard of Auckland City Police said the death was “senseless and needless”.
