Killer appeals life sentence

LAWYERS for a man convicted of raping and killing a British teacher in Japan have launched an appeal against his sentence of life in prison.

Tatsuya Ichihashi’s lawyers challenged the July 21 district court ruling and are bringing the case to the Tokyo High Court. Trial dates haven’t been set.

The Chiba District Court convicted Ichihashi of rape, murder and abandonment of Lindsay Hawker, from Brandon, near Coventry. It dismissed his denial of murder intent.