Man jailed for murder of Rikki Neave in Peterborough launches appeal
James Watson was 13 when Rikki died near his home in Peterborough in 1994
Last updated 29th Mar 2023
A 41-year-old man given a life sentence with a minimum jail term of 15 years after being convicted of murdering six-year-old Rikki Neave nearly 30 years ago has been given "leave to appeal" against his conviction by appeal judges.
James Watson, who was 13 when Rikki died near his home in Peterborough in 1994, was jailed by a judge at the Old Bailey in June.
Watson was not at the hearing. Lord Burnett told Watson's lawyers: "We will be granting leave to appeal."
He said lawyers representing Watson had "arguable" grounds for mounting a full appeal.