MICHAEL Stone, the man jailed for life for the hammer murders of Lin and Megan Russell at Chillenden, near Canterbury, has been granted leave to appeal against his conviction.

Stone, 42, sought permission from a judge in the Court of Appeal in London on two grounds - that he did not get a fair trial because of publicity surrounding the case and unreliability of a cell confession.

The publicity ground failed but Mr Justice Treacy has decided that Stone should be allowed a full appeal on the basis of his complaints over his alleged confession to fellow inmate Damien Daley, at Canterbury Prison.

Stone, from Gillingham, has always denied killing Lin Russell, 45, and her daughter Megan, six, and attempting to murder her other daughter Josie in July, 1996. He was given three life sentences in October, 2001.

Stone's solicitor, Derek Hayward said: "On behalf of Michael Stone I would say we are delighted with the appeal decision by Justice Treacy.

"I hope when the matter is heard it will lead to the quashing of his conviction. Michael Stone has always, and still does, maintain his innocence."

Stone’s lawyer Mark McDonald, who confirmed today that permission to appeal had been granted, told the judge that the case stood or fell on the “confession.”

Mr Justice Treacy is expected to give his reasons in full for granting leave at a later date. Stone will be represented by Peter Carter, QC, at the new appeal.