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Wadebridge petrol station couple's murderer granted appeal Wadebridge petrol station couple's murderers granted appeal
(about 7 hours later)
One of two brothers convicted of murdering a couple who were shot and bludgeoned with a sledgehammer has been granted a new appeal, his lawyers said. Two brothers convicted of murdering a couple who were shot and bludgeoned with a sledgehammer have been granted a new appeal.
Lee Firkins was found guilty in 2005 of murdering Graham, 60, and Carol Fisher, 53, at their Cornwall petrol station, alongside his brother Robert. Lee and Robert Firkins were found guilty in 2005 of murdering Graham, 60, and Carol Fisher, 53, at their Cornwall petrol station in 2003.
His lawyers said new evidence meant there was a "real possibility" it may be overturned by the Court of Appeal. Lee Firkins' lawyers said new evidence meant a "real possibility" the conviction may be overturned.
The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) recommended the review.The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) recommended the review.
The body received further DNA evidence from the brother's lawyers in 2017. The brothers' application for a hearing at the Court of Appeal was turned down by the CCRC in 2015, but the organisation received further DNA evidence in 2017.
"We have now concluded that there are grounds to refer these convictions for appeal," said the CCRC.
Lee Firkins' first appeal in 2009 failed.Lee Firkins' first appeal in 2009 failed.
Both brothers are currently serving life sentences for the 2003 murders of Mr and Mrs Fisher, who were shot repeatedly at the Wadebridge petrol station after being bludgeoned with a sledgehammer. Both brothers are currently serving life sentences for the murders of Mr and Mrs Fisher, who were shot repeatedly at the Wadebridge petrol station after being bludgeoned with a sledgehammer.
Hickman and Rose, part of Lee Firkins' legal team, said they were "celebrating a victory" for their client and the CCRC had "finally confirmed... there is a real possibility the court will not uphold the conviction". Hickman and Rose solicitors, part of Lee Firkins' legal team, said they were "celebrating a victory" for their client and that the CCRC had "finally confirmed... there is a real possibility the court will not uphold the conviction".
No physical evidence was found to link the brothers to the crime scene.No physical evidence was found to link the brothers to the crime scene.
Their conviction was based on the evidence of a fellow prisoner at HMP Exeter, the firm argued.Their conviction was based on the evidence of a fellow prisoner at HMP Exeter, the firm argued.
Jane Hickman, from his legal team, said it was "not the first time" the court would be "asked to examine the credibility of a case based almost entirely on a cell confession".Jane Hickman, from his legal team, said it was "not the first time" the court would be "asked to examine the credibility of a case based almost entirely on a cell confession".
She added: "It is time that this type of evidence ceased to be a last resort where police have no proper case against someone they think is a likely suspect". She added: "It is time that this type of evidence ceased to be a last resort where police have no proper case against someone they think is a likely suspect."