 | | | | | | | | | | |  |  | | | | Paranormal: 'Vampire killer' to lodge appeal">2. Paranormal News | | | | | | | 
2. Paranormal News | News submitted by: MoonSeeker
A teenage "vampire fan" jailed for murdering an elderly woman in a macabre ritual in her own home is to appeal against his guilty verdict.
Mathew Hardman, 17, is serving a life sentence for breaking into the home of Mabel Leyshon, 90, at Llanfairpwll on Anglesey, stabbing her to death, cutting out her heart and drinking her blood in an effort to become a vampire.
A jury at Mold Crown Court found him guilty in August and he is currently detained at a young offenders' institution in Doncaster for at least 12 years.
But Hardman's solicitor Michael Strain confirmed on Wednesday that he will lodge papers at the Court of Appeal in London before the Friday deadline.
Mr Strain did not reveal the grounds of the planned appeal, but said the teenager was determined to clear his name.
The murder Mrs Leyshon, described as "quiet and shy", on 25 November 2001 shocked the small community of Llanfairpwll.
'Brutal murder'
North Wales Police officers described it as the "most callous and brutal" murder they had encountered.
But it was not until December - when the murder inquiry was in full swing - that detectives discovered the murder had ritualistic overtones.
Mrs Leyshon was sitting in her favourite armchair watching television when, the court found, Hardman threw a slate through the back door to break into the house to which he once delivered newspapers.
It was said he launched a ferocious yet meticulously planned attack - stabbing her repeatedly, moved her body to another chair and placed two candlesticks near to her dead body.
Two pokers were set in a cross formation at her feet.
Hardman then apparently removed Mrs Leyshon's heart from her body, wrapped it in newspaper, and placed it in a saucepan which he put on a silver platter.
Forensic evidence - blood found on a windowsill - led to his guilty conviction.
DNA was also found in blood on the handle of the knife used in the murder, later left in his bedroom.
Appeal motive
Following the vampire revelations, speculation surrounded Hardman's state of mind, but the court heard that no sign of illness was found during psychological tests.
He had pleaded not guilty and denied having an obsession with vampires, claiming only a passing interest.
His defence said the killer may still be at large.
Solicitor Mr Strain said: "Mr Hardman and his family were obviously very disappointed at the outcome of the trial and we have been looking at the possibilities of mounting an appeal for the past three weeks.
"We believe there are grounds for appeal and papers will be lodged with the Appeal Court before Friday.
"A single judge will now consider whether there are sufficient grounds for appeal. We are hopeful that a hearing will be held before Christmas.
"If the judge agrees, he will grant Mr Hardman legal aid and the matter will go to a full hearing in London.
"That hearing, if it goes ahead, could be held next spring."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/wales/2220862.stm
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