Killers of Becky Watts launch bid to challenge convictions and sentences

The killers of teenager Becky Watts are set to launch a fresh attempt to challenge their convictions and sentences.

Applications by her stepbrother Nathan Matthews and his girlfriend Shauna Hoare will be considered by three Court of Appeal judges in London on Thursday.

The proceedings follow an earlier rejection of the pair's applications for permission to appeal by a single judge who considered their cases on the papers.

Their renewed bids will be heard by Lady Justice Macur, Mrs Justice Nicola Davies and the Recorder of Liverpool, Judge Clement Goldstone.

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.

Bristol Crown Court heard they targeted Becky due to their dislike of her and a shared sexual interest in petite teenage girls.

They took tape, handcuffs and a stun gun to her home in Crown Hill, Bristol, and let themselves in when they knew she was alone.

The teenager, dubbed ''Bristol's angel'' by her family, suffered more than 40 injuries before she was smothered to death by porn-obsessed Matthews.

Former TA soldier Matthews, along with Hoare, dismembered Becky with an £80 circular saw in the bathroom of their home in Cotton Mill Lane in February last year.

Both were also convicted of conspiracy to kidnap, perverting the course of justice, preventing Becky's lawful burial and possessing two stun guns.