Luke Mitchell appeal takes to the web

Published on Thursday 22 April 2010 10:02

A NEW "official" website has been launched to support efforts to clear Luke Mitchell of the murder of Jodi Jones.

The website has been backed by Mitchell's mother, Corinne, who said her 21-year-old son was also supporting the project.

The site highlights alleged flaws in the case against Mitchell, who is serving a minimum 20-year sentence for the knife murder of his then- girlfriend in June 2003.

Mrs Mitchell told the Evening News: "I'm supporting the website as it's a way to get the whole story out there from the start to whenever it finishes.

"Obviously Luke won't be able to post messages on the site himself, but I'll be able to take him messages which have been posted there during my visits.

"Luke wants the website as it's a way to get people to ask questions. He's happy that it's been set up. The site only went online on Sunday afternoon and it's already had 200 hits."

The website, launched to coincide with the sixth anniversary of Mitchell being detained, features different aspects of the crime, including a critique of alleged failings in the prosecution case, and information on his ongoing appeal.

Mrs Mitchell added: "Luke's pretty fed up, but he's working in the woodwork department at Shotts, and at the moment that involves building dog kennels.

"Because of his personality, he gets on with people and gets on with the guards, which is helpful to me as a mother."

Sandra Lean, an author studying wrongful convictions, is behind the website and hopes people approach it with an "open mind".

She said: "There will be a negative backlash obviously. It is not our intention to upset Jodi's family but it is impossible to tell the other side of the story without bringing the subject into the public domain again."

Mitchell's legal team are set to return to court next week. They are bidding to reopen the question of DNA evidence in an effort to clear him. Four similar attempts have already been knocked back.