Cameras to cover Mitchell appeal

BBC Scotland cameras are being allowed into the Court of Criminal Appeal for the second time in two weeks.

The decision in the case of Luke Mitchell, who is appealing against his conviction for murdering Jodi Jones, will be filmed on Friday.

Video of the full hearing will be published online and excerpts will be broadcast on television and radio.

Nat Fraser's unsuccessful appeal on 6 May has been viewed more than 14,000 times online.

BBC Scotland head of news and current affairs Atholl Duncan said: "Through our website and our TV and radio coverage we have allowed a significant number of people to see and hear the judgement as if they were in court.

"We believe this is an important development for BBC Scotland journalism and for the Scottish courts.

"We intend to deal with the Luke Mitchell appeal in a similar way, ensuring an accurate and balanced view of what occurred in court and allowing the audience access to the judges' full explanation of their decision."

Filming in the court is subject to a ban on showing anyone other than the three judges - Lord Hamilton, the Lord Justice General, Lord Osborne and Lord Kingarth.

BBC Scotland will make the footage available to other broadcasters and media outlets.

Mitchell was found guilty of murdering Jodi Jones from Dalkeith, Midlothian, in June 2003.

His appeal was heard in February.

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