Scott Watson speaking out didn’t really reveal any new information, but it did bring the case back to the attention of the public says Massey University law professor Chris Gallivan.
Scott Watson would need to make a pretty strong case and “pull a rabbit out of the hat” in order for an application for the royal prerogative of mercy to be accepted, especially because he has failed in an attempt previously, he says.
In North and South magazine, Watson discusses his conviction for murdering the Blenheim pair in the Marlborough Sounds on New Year's Day, 1998.
Watson maintains his innocence and dismisses the police's key evidence against him. He suggests two of Olivia Hope's blond hairs found on a blanket in his boat were planted, says the painting of his boat shortly after the pair's disappearance was long planned and says he holds no animosity towards Guy Wallace – a crucial prosecution witness who later retracted his story.
Watch the video for the full interview with Dr Gallivan.
