26-year-old Trevor William Hamilton from Sion Mills was the first person in NI to be handed a complete life sentence for the brutal murder of local librarian, Attracta Harron.

Hamilton's appeal against his conviction was due to begin in February, however, Lord Chief Justice Brian Kerr ruled that the appeal be removed from the list in order to allow Hamilton's defence to conduct an independent review of the Low Copy Number (LCN) DNA evidence submitted by the Crown prosecution during the trial.

Using LCN DNA evidence the jury at the murder trial last year was told the chance that blood found in the footwell of Hamilton's car belonged to somebody other than Mrs Harron was one billion to one.

However, concern was raised over the use of LCN DNA as evidence during the recent trial of Sean Hoey, who was acquitted of 58 charges, including the murders of 29 people in the Omagh bomb.

Speaking to the 'Journal' yesterday on the day that the new legislation which ended 50% remission came into effect, Attracta's husband, Michael Harron said that there was so much compelling evidence against Hamilton he "did not expect the judge to overturn his conviction."

However, Mr Harron said that the outcome of Hamilton's appeal could cause chaos in the current system for dealing with sex offenders, if Hamilton's lawyers contest certain points.

"Things are going to happen next week in the appeal that will be of public importance. My mind is on next week's appeal and not on the change in the law."

He continued: "Hamilton, through his lawyers, isn't giving us peace. I knew that this wasn't over when he was given a life sentence. I have no doubt that this won't end next week. It will go on to the House of Lords and they'll try to get it into the European court. It could go on for the next ten years," he said.

Belfast's High Court has set aside five days next week for the appeal, however it is expected it will be finished on Thursday of next week.