Becky Watts’ murderers lose challenge against their convictions and sentences
Judge said sentences of 33 and 17 years were 'not excessive'
THE killers of teenager Becky Watts have lost a bid to quash their combined sentences of 50 years for her murder.
Her stepbrother Nathan Matthews, 29, and his girlfriend Shauna Hoare, 22, had their cases dismissed by three judges at the Court of Appeal in London today.
Matthews and Hoare killed the 16-year-old last year then chopped her up and hid her corpse as part of a sick kidnap plot.
Thursday's hearing followed an earlier rejection of the pair’s applications for permission to appeal by a single judge.
A ruling on their renewed bids for permission was given on Thursday by Lady Justice Macur, Mrs Justice Nicola Davies and the Recorder of Liverpool, Judge Clement Goldstone.
Announcing the court's decision today, Lady Justice Macur said: "We are satisfied that there is no reasonable argument that the convictions are unsafe or that the sentences were wrong in principle or manifestly excessive."
Matthews was sentenced in November to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 33 years in jail after being found guilty of 16-year-old Becky’s murder.
Hoare was jailed for 17 years after being convicted of manslaughter.
Related stories
Bristol Crown Court heard they targeted Becky due to their dislike of her and a shared sexual interest in petite teenage girls.
During their trial the pair claimed they were only trying to scare the girl – but ended up suffocating her.
The sick killers then dismembered her body, put the parts in suitcases and hid them in a locked shed.
Thursday’s hearing was watched via video link from Bristol by members of Becky’s family.
Late last year Becky's dad Darren Galsworthy said he had initially blamed his wife - Matthews' mother - for his daughter's death as she brought the killer into the world but also vowed to stand by Anjie as in an interview with The Sun earlier this year he claimed he "still loved her".
Becky’s murder led to the collapse of several family relationships but Darren said: "Anjie is not responsible for the crimes of her son. I’d defend her with my life. Without her I’d not have had any of Becky’s life."
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368