Billie-Jo killer's appeal delayed

Jenkins was jailed for murdering his teenage foster daughter

An appeal by a former deputy head teacher against his conviction for the murder of his foster daughter has been postponed.

Sion Jenkins was convicted of killing Billie-Jo Jenkins, 13, by battering her to death with a metal tent spike seven years ago in their Hastings home.

On Monday, the judge fell ill and was taken to hospital.

The appeal, which is based on evidence about spots of blood found on Jenkins' clothes, will resume on Wednesday.

His case also points to another suspect - a mentally ill man in the area.

At his 1998 trial, the prosecution case focused on the discovery of 158 tiny spots of Billie-Jo's blood on Jenkins' clothes, which appeared to indicate he was the attacker.

His trial lawyers, and those at his failed appeal a year later, argued Billie-Jo could have breathed the blood onto Jenkins when he went to help her as she lay dying.

Billie-Jo was beaten to death with a metal tent spike at her home

A Canadian expert has now given support to that view.

Jenkins' ex-wife and one of their natural daughters will both testify at the appeal - but on opposite sides.

They are being flown back from Australia, where they now live, to clarify statements made after the murder.

Jenkins' daughter will give evidence on his behalf; his former wife for the Crown.

Appeal judges ordered an investigation into the case in March when they were told about the fresh evidence.

Jenkins was convicted at Lewes Crown Court of the murder of Billie-Jo in the back garden of their family home in Hastings, in February 1997.

Judges granted the new appeal after hearing how Billie-Jo had part of a bin liner pushed up one of her nostrils.

They ordered an investigation after hearing how a mentally ill man in the area at the time had shown signs of a fixation with pushing pieces of plastic bag up his nose.

The court will also hear discussions as to why the two daughters who were with Jenkins on the day of the death were not called to give evidence.

The case was referred to the Court of Appeal by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) which examines cases of alleged miscarriage of justice.