A MAN jailed for life for the murder of a Bolton pensioner who was stabbed 48 times, is appealing against his conviction.

Duncan Runciman, a former military policeman, was jailed last month for killing Ellen Crank at her home in Kingscourt Avenue, Brownlow Fold. Her son, Stanley, was also jailed for life for her murder last February.

The jury at Liverpool Crown Court took three and-a-half hours to convict Runciman, aged 45, of Laurel Court, and Crank, after both men had denied the killing.

Runciman's solicitor Keith Dyson said: "We feel that in the light of a house of Lords case that was decided after this trial, the law has now changed and there is further evidence Duncan Runciman can now bring to the court to establish his innocence.

"The jury was not able to hear this evidence at the time of trial. We are confident that he will be cleared on appeal. Duncan still maintains his innocence and is determined to clear his name."

The Court of Appeal will examine the case and decide whether Runciman has grounds to appeal.

If he is given the go ahead, it could be months before a date is set for the hearing.

During the two week trial, the jury was told that Crank, aged 46, of Cross Street, and Runciman had planned the killing while out drinking and hid in her kitchen waiting for her to come home from an evening at bingo.

Mrs Crank had celebrated her 76th birthday with friends at the Victoria Community Centre in Chorley New Road just hours before her death.

Her body was discovered two days later by neighbours. She had suffered more than 70 injuries, including the stab wounds, which were predominantly to her face and mouth.

The prosecution said Crank wanted to get his hands on his inheritance.

But Crank claimed Runciman had killed his mother after he went to the house to steal money.

Runciman said he could not remember what happened that night because they had been out drinking all day.

Runciman told the court that Crank had asked him to kill his mother six months before her death but he had refused.

Mrs Crank's sister Sally Walsh aged 68, of Bolton, said: "The jury and the judge heard the evidence and they were both found guilty.

"He could have gone to the police when Stanley first mentioned killing Ellen but he didn't.

"They should serve their time and let Ellen rest in peace.

"There are only three people who know what happened that night and one of them is no longer here to tell us."

Runciman's ex-wife, Beverley Holland, of Halliwell, said: "Although Duncan can't remember much about that night, he is adamant he did not plan to kill Ellen and would not have taken part in what happened.

"He knows he should have gone to the police. He believes Crank killed his mother and then incriminated him in the murder."