LEE CLEGG'S murder appeal was formally adjourned in the Court of Appeal in Belfast yesterday.
The hearing had been listed to start yesterday, but it became known last week that the defence intended to apply for an adjournment. This was confirmed when a defence lawyer said they required [time to carry out new ballistics tests.
The move followed a report by an American expert engaged by the prosecution.
It has been reported that he is prepared to give evidence that paratrooper Clegg killed Miss Karen Reilly when he fired at a stolen car when it was 400 ft away and no longer a threat.
The evidence contradicts new defence claims that they have a forensic report which will clear the 29 year old paratrooper.
Clegg, from Wakefield, Yorkshire, who was not in court, has been free on licence since July 1995, and is now back serving in the Parachute Regiment.
This is his third appeal against conviction and life sentence for murdering 18 year old Miss Reilly in West Belfast in 1990. His first appeal was dismissed in the Appeal Court in Belfast in July 1994. Later the same year, the House of Lords reached a similar decision.
The case was referred back to the Appeal Court by former NI Secretary of State, Sir Patrick Mayhew, who asked the court to consider new forensic evidence submitted by Clegg's new solicitors.
Mr Reginald Weir QC, for the DPP said the American ballistics expert, Mr Lucien C. Hagg, had examined a considerable amount of material brought over to him in Arizona by an RUC detective. English barrister, Mr Steven Crossley, who is being led by the London QC, Mr Anthony Scrivener, said it would take a considerable time for the defence to carry out new tests. The earliest they would be able to proceed would be November.
The Lord Chief Justice, Sir Robert Carswell, fixed the hearing for November 17th.