Letter 'urged Jenkins to confess'

Lois Jenkins is giving evidence for the Crown at the appeal

The ex-wife of Sion Jenkins, jailed for murdering his foster daughter, sent him a letter while he awaited trial urging him to confess, the Appeal Court heard.

Jenkins, 45, was convicted in 1998 of killing Billie-Jo with a tent spike at their home in Hastings, East Sussex.

Lois Jenkins wrote to him trying to make him confess for the sake of their daughters, the Court of Appeal heard.

Jenkins' defence claimed the move was a "ploy" so the girls would not have to give evidence at the trial.

'Honesty and confession'

Two of the couple's daughters, Charlotte and Annie, were with Jenkins on the day of the murder in February 1997.

In the letter Mrs Jenkins wrote: "The girls would, I know, be relieved of enormous burdens if they felt human beings had the capacity to own up to things.

"I am living in constant awareness of the need for the children and others to experience again the reality of honesty and confession."

Mrs Jenkins, who is giving evidence for the Crown, was shown the letter by Jenkins' defence counsel, Claire Montgomery QC while being cross-examined.

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

After reading the letter, she said: "If you wrote a letter to a husband who was charged with murder and it was referred to as a ploy, that is very difficult.

"It is a personal letter between me and my husband.

"I did not see Sion Jenkins kill Billie-Jo and I will never be 100% sure, but there is a difference between 100% and thinking, and this is a personal letter."

Earlier the court heard Mrs Jenkins being accused of "making things up" about Annie being constantly questioned by her father just after the murder.

Jenkins denies putting pressure on his daughter but Mrs Jenkins said he spoke to her on a number of occasions.

Charlotte, 18, gave evidence at the appeal in London, but Annie, 19, gave a statement via video link.

Miss Montgomery suggested to Mrs Jenkins that "the reason Annie will not give evidence is that she would have to tell this court that you are a liar.".

Mrs Jenkins replied: "That is for Annie to decide."

Former deputy head teacher Jenkins was convicted of murder at Lewes Crown Court.

It is the second time he has tried to clear his name.

The hearing continues.