Alexander Pacteau lodges appeal against 23-year sentence

Alexander Pacteau has lodged an appeal against the minimum 23-year life sentence imposed on him for the the murder of Irish woman Karen Buckley in Glasgow earlier this year.

Lawyers for Pacteau (21) from Bearsden in Glasgow lodged a note of appeal against the term imposed by sentencing judge, Lady Rae at the High Court in Glasgow. It was unclear last night on what exact grounds he is basing his appeal.

It is understood that Ms Buckley’s family from Mourneabbey in north Cork were briefed by the Scottish authorities of the development and are aware that Pacteau has lodged an appeal against sentence.

Having lodged a note of appeal against the severity of sentence, lawyers for Pacteau must now seek leave to appeal from a single judge of the high court. If that is refused they can then apply to a two-judge sitting of the high court for leave to appeal.

If leave to appeal is granted, Pacteau can then proceed to a full appeal of the severity of sentence before a two-judge sitting of the Court of Criminal Appeal.

According to Scottish sources, it is likely such an appeal would take a number of weeks before it could be heard.