Convicted Killer Stone’s Appeals Blocked Despite Serial Killer’s Confession
Serial killer Levi Bellfield recently confessed to the brutal murders of Lin Russell and her daughter Megan. Yet, the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) has slammed the door shut on appeals by Michael Stone, who is currently serving life sentences for those very murders.
CCRC Rejects Appeal Over ‘No Real Possibility’ of Overturning Conviction
The independent body, responsible for probing possible miscarriages of justice, reviewed Stone’s case and concluded there’s no real chance the Court of Appeal will quash his convictions. Stone remains behind bars for the chilling 1996 killings in Chillenden, Kent.
- Stone was convicted for the murders of Lin Russell, 45, and her six-year-old daughter Megan.
- Another daughter, nine-year-old Josie, survived with severe head injuries.
- The family dog was also killed in the attack.
Bellfield’s Confessions Spark Legal Row
Bellfield, serving two whole-life orders for other savage killings, including schoolgirl Milly Dowler in 2011, initially admitted responsibility for the Russells’ murders but later backtracked. Stone’s legal team insists Bellfield recently penned a new signed confession.
“Bellfield has made multiple confessions to these murders. The CCRC’s test is way too high and unfairly puts the burden on Mr Stone to prove Bellfield’s guilt,” Stone’s barrister Mark McDonald blasted.
CCRC Stands Firm, but Debate Rages
A CCRC spokesperson defended their stance, emphasizing their role is to consider new evidence that might realistically overturn a conviction. They said no fresh information has emerged to challenge Stone’s guilt.
Stone’s legal team vows to push back, arguing Bellfield’s confessions demand deeper investigation. The case has reopened fierce debate on how potential miscarriages of justice are handled — and who bears the burden of proof.
