The family of murdered Jodi Jones have slammed Luke Mitchell supporters for using the schoolgirl’s image in their “shameful” campaign for his release.
Stickers bearing the face of the tragic 14-year-old with the words “truth must be known” have been plastered on lampposts and street signs in Midlothian in recent days, leaving Jodi’s loved ones “disgusted” at the latest tactic from her killer’s followers.
They spoke out as a Scots criminologist who is backing Mitchell’s bid to overturn his murder conviction claimed he now has lawyers willing to fight his case – despite a series of previous failed appeals.
Speaking about the family’s shock at seeing Jodi’s picture used by Mitchell supporters, one of her relatives said: “Using Jodi’s image to say the man convicted of murdering her is innocent is just beyond sick. Our family has had enough of this.
“They are a despicable bunch of people who can’t seem to realise due process was done after a long and protracted police investigation.
“We are satisfied the right man is in prison for Jodi’s murder. It’s shameful they are using her picture to further their cause.
“As a family we are disgusted at this latest tactic. We have put up with the lies and rumours they are posting daily, the tourist ghouls coming to take photos where Jodi died and the constant vandalism in Dalkeith and beyond, but now they’re using a photo of an innocent child to plead the case for her killer. We are devastated.”
Speaking about Mitchell’s online supporters, Jodi’s relative added: “They are nothing but social media attention seekers jumping on the bandwagon of a hopeless cause.”
Mitchell was convicted at the High Court in Edinburgh in 2005 of killing girlfriend Jodi, whose naked and mutilated body was discovered behind a wall in woods in Dalkeith.
Dr Sandra Lean, who has worked closely with legal teams to help Mitchell appeal his case over the years, claims she has found him new legal representation – but would not reveal their identity.
During a live Facebook video on Sunday, Dr Lean said: “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.”
She continued: “The boxes of evidence will now go to Luke’s legal team.”
Mitchell was just 15 when he murdered Jodi and was sentenced to a minimum of 20 years behind bars aged 16.
Mitchell’s attempts to appeal the decision were rejected and his earliest chance of release is 2025.
A 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 sparked fury among Jodi’s family, who branded it a “one-sided account”.
