Published: Wednesday, 13th August, 2008 9:45am

Appeal over gun murder

by Julie Gilbert

Defence wants to present fresh evidence in court

APPEAL: William Gage

A convicted murderer is hoping to be granted a new appeal using a dossier of new evidence.

William Gage was found guilty of murdering Justin McAlroy - the son of a Labour party donor - in 2004.

He was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the shooting of drug dealer Mr McAlroy, but he has always protested his innocence.

His case was later taken up by the Miscarriage of Justice Organisation (MOJO).

Gage, from Temple, already had an appeal rejected in 2006 by the Court of Criminal Appeal in Edinburgh, but now the case has been referred to the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission (SCCRC).

John McManus, from MOJO, claims crucial CCTV evidence was not viewed at the original trial and that there are issues regarding witnesses.

He said: 'We have to wait for the SCCRC and in the interests of justice I would like to think there will be an appeal.

'I never say anything is likely though until I see it happening.'

The previous appeal was thrown out despite Gage"s defence team saying the evidence at the original trial was 'peppered with inconsistencies'.

At the time John McManus told the Post that he feared crucial evidence had not been heard and that the hearing had been rushed.

Aamer Anwar, Gage"s solicitor, has sent a 20-page document to the SCCRC asking it to refer the case back for a new appeal.

The SCCRC confirmed it is reviewing the case.

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