Ashburton WINZ double-murderer appealing conviction and sentence

Ashburton WINZ double-murderer appealing conviction and sentence
Photo credit: Newshub

The man jailed for the murder of two Ashburton Work and Income employees is appealing his conviction and sentence.

Russell John Tully was sentenced to life in prison in 2016, with a minimum non-parole period of 27 years for the 2014 murders of Peggy Noble and Susan Cleveland, and the attempted murder of Kim Adams. 

A Court of Appeal spokesperson confirmed to Newshub that Tully's appeal for his conviction and sentence will be heard on March 12.

Tully entered the WINZ office on September 1, 2014, and shot dead Peggy Noble and Susan Cleveland. He also fired his gun at Kim Adams, which narrowly missed her as she escaped out the door. 

The 2016 jury found him not guilty of attempting to murder case manager Lindy Curtis, and not guilty of setting a man trap. 

Tully was handed down the second highest non-parole period ever given in New Zealand. 

Newshub.