Murder trial prejudiced by media argues QC

Luke Mitchell, the teenager jailed two years ago for the murder and mutilation of his 14-year-old girlfriend, Jodi Jones, did not receive a fair trial because of media coverage of the case, according to his counsel. Donald Findlay QC told the Edinburgh appeal court that Mitchell had been "tried by the media in a vicious manner", adding: "Everything that could have been done was not done to ensure a fair trial." The appeal judges have to decide whether complaints about pre-trial publicity should form part of the case for a full appeal hearing at a later date. Mitchell was convicted on a majority verdict of murdering Jodi and was told he would have to serve 20 years before he could apply for parole. (Via The Scotsman)