Milly Dowler killer Levi Bellfield confesses to Lin and Megan Russell murders, lawyer says

'Genuine' confession suggests Michael Stone suffered a miscarriage of justice and can now appeal

Serial killer Levi Bellfield. PA

Milly Dowler’s killer Levi Bellfield has admitted to the murders of Lin Russell and her daughter Megan, a lawyer has said.

Michael Stone is serving three life sentences for the murders of Ms Russell and her six-year-old daughter, who were found bludgeoned to death in Chillenden, Kent, in July 1996.

Mr Stone’s solicitor Paul Bacon said he received a “genuine” four-page statement from Bellfield in which he details his involvement in the killings, which would mean his client suffered a miscarriage of justice.

Bellfield is thought to be the only criminal in UK legal history to be serving two whole-life orders – for her murder, the killings of Marsha McDonnell and Amelie Delagrange, and the attempted murder of Kate Sheedy.

“I can say I have received a four-page statement from Bellfield, which is a genuine confession, it’s an absolutely astonishing breakthrough," Mr Bacon said.

“I will now meet with colleagues following this remarkable development to finally, after many years, get freedom for Michael Stone. This is the evidence that will prove he is innocent.”

The confession will be referred to the Criminal Cases Review Commission.

The Sun on Sunday reported that the document included details of what he was wearing and how he made his escape.

“For over 21 years I have represented Michael Stone who was wrongly convicted of the Chillenden murders," barrister Mark McDonald said on Twitter on Saturday:

“Tomorrow it will be announced that Levi Bellfield has made a full written confession to the crimes. Michael Stone is innocent and must be immediately released from prison.

“Stone has been in prison for 26 years despite plenty of evidence that this is a miscarriage of justice.”

Ms Russell’s other daughter, Josie, then 9, suffered severe head injuries in the attack and the family’s dog, Lucy, was killed.

Last year, Mr McDonald said a bootlace found at the scene could be an “absolutely huge” and crucial piece of evidence.

He said there was “no forensic, no identification evidence at all” against Mr Stone, and said the bootlace could yield DNA that would “undoubtedly point away” from his client.

Kent Police said its position on Mr Stone’s conviction remains unchanged.

“Following two trials at which Stone was found guilty by a jury on both occasions, and an appeal to the High Court, Michael Stone remains convicted of the murders of Lin and Megan Russell, and the attempted murder of Josie Russell in 1996," said Det Chief Supt Paul Fotheringham of Kent Police.

“Michael Stone made an application to apply for a Judicial Review in respect of his conviction in September 2012. The Hon Mr Justice Blake ordered that permission for the application should be refused.

“The Criminal Case Review Commission commenced an extensive re-examination of the murder investigation in 2017 and has had access to all forensic evidence, documentation and exhibits from the original investigation, the review by Hampshire Police, details of the two Crown Court trials and appeals to the High Court.

“The shoelace which was seized as part of the original investigation was made available to the CCRC. All evidence from the examinations on the shoelace were recorded and disclosed to the CCRC.”