Melsonby post office killer lodges appeal

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THE family of convicted killer Robin Garbutt have announced a Court of Appeal bid to clear his name.

Robin Garbutt, 46, was found guilty of murdering his wife, Diana, at the post office and shop they ran together in Melsonby, near Richmond, on March 23, 2010.

He was sentenced to life imprisonment, and told he must serve at least 20 years at Teesside Crown Court on April 19, 2011.

The appeal will be led by Jamie Hill QC who represented Garbutt at his trial.

Sallie Wood, the convicted killer’s sister from North Yorkshire, said his family was convinced of her brother’s innocence.

She said: “My family has been devastated by the events of the last 18 months but have been strengthened by Robin’s unwavering bravery - firstly in the face of the unbelievable allegations and then on being convicted of a crime he didn’t commit.

“Robin is the most genuine, kind, gentle and honest person you could ever wish to meet.

“But he is incarcerated in Frankland Prison in Durham - a maximum security prison - for a crime he didn’t do. Knowing he is there is a living nightmare and one that has affected my family terribly.”

The postmistress was found dead in the living quarters of the post office after police responded to reports of a robbery.

Detectives initially appealed for help to catch a man wearing a balaclava and armed with a gun.

However, Mr Garbutt was arrested in connection with his wife's murder three weeks into the investigation.