A SCOTS criminologist has revealed that convicted murderer Luke Mitchell now has new legal representation willing to fight his conviction.
Crime expert Dr Sandra Lean said she was “absolutely delighted” that someone is willing to take on the controversial case.
Mitchell was convicted at the High Court in Edinburgh in 2005 of killing his girlfriend Jodi Jones.
His victim was just 14 when her naked and mutilated body was discovered behind a wall in a wooded area near her home.
Throughout his trial and subsequent imprisonment, Luke has professed his innocence.
Dr Lean has worked closely with legal teams to help Mitchell appeal his case over the years.
Yesterday she revealed that she has found new legal representation for Mitchell’s case but would not reveal their identity.
During a live Facebook video, Dr Lean said: “First up, Luke’s legal representation, I can’t say who, it’s in the very early stages at the minute but that was a big obstacle we had to get over.
“To get someone willing to take the case on and take it forward and now we have it.
“We are absolutely delighted with that.”
She continued: “The boxes of evidence will now go to Luke’s legal time and I won’t have them in my possession at all.”
Dr Lean revealed she has also been targeted by trolls on Facebook.
She said: “I’ve been doing everything I possibly could for years now. It became apparent there is no will to negotiate.
“The other thing I found almost impossible was Luke supporters wrongly accusing other people.
“I will always call out wrongful accusations, I don’t care where they are or who posted them.
“I spoke to Luke on Tuesday or Wednesday, he was upset. He doesn’t know the extent of social media like we do. He does not have access to it.
“His wish was that we would all get round the table and sort it out so we were all working together.
“It was really hard to tell him. It’s being tried and hasn’t worked.”
The live clip attracted more than 500 comments from viewers.
Polli Neil wrote: “Great one today. So much positivity with the news about legal team and the research.”
Shona Miller said: “The great thing about this live is now Luke has legal representation, love it ….That’s the best news yet.”
Justine-lee Wilson added: “That’s good glad he’s getting this help and I hope Corrine and you are keeping good Sandra.”
Mitchell, who found Jodi’s body, was quickly accused of her murder and was convicted at the High Court in Edinburgh, aged 16.
Jodi was just 14 when her naked and mutilated body was discovered behind a wall in a wooded area near her home.
Judge Lord Nimmo Smith said the photos he saw of her injuries were the worst he had ever seen.
Dr Lean has backed Luke Mitchell since he was found guilty of murder in 2005 and was sentenced to a minimum of 20 years behind bars.
She has worked closely with legal teams to help Mitchell appeal his case over the years and dedicated her career to it.
Mitchell’s attempts to appeal the decision were rejected and he’s been serving his sentence since, with the earliest chance of release being 2025.
Documentary, Murder in a Small Town aired earlier this year and featured Dr Lean talking about the case and backing Mitchell’s claims of innocence.
The documentary questions the conviction of Mitchell and a fresh investigation currently being carried out by two private investigators.
In recent months there has been criticism over the police investigation at the time.
