Alan Traynor was convicted of the 1994 murder of his girlfriend, Amanda Chapman. He has always maintained his innocence and has been fighting to prove this for the last 18 years.
In 2011, his legal team was successful in persuading the Criminal Cases Review Commission to refer his case back to the Court of Appeal in light of fresh evidence relating to a viable alternative suspect.
However, the Court of Appeal has today stated that the conviction was safe and dismissed the appeal.
His solicitor, Correna Platt, a partner at Stephensons Solicitors LLP said: “Alan is devastated by the outcome of the hearing.
“Alan Traynor has spent 18 years in custody, trying to clear his name. Throughout that time, he has always maintained his innocence of the murder of his girlfriend, Amanda. Alan remained in prison long after his original 12-year tariff due to his continued belief that one day his innocence would be acknowledged. We are disappointed that this hurdle has not been overcome.
“We are reviewing the way forward in the light of the judgment but at this stage it is not proposed to make any further comment.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
- Stephensons’ Crime department is recommended by the Legal 500, which says the firm has ‘scored some notable victories in criminal appeal cases, and its prisons and public law team has also been successful in a number of groundbreaking high-profile cases’.
- The firm has 30 partners and more than 350 staff in offices across Greater Manchester and Merseyside.
Media information: Lianne Tracey
Stephensons Solicitors LLP
T: 01616 966 229
E: lianne.tracey@stephensons.co.uk