Transsexual prostitute killer launches appeal bid

A MAN serving a life sentence for the murder of a transsexual prostitute has launched a challenge to his conviction at the Court of Appeal.

Leon Fyle, 22, was jailed last month after being convicted at Snaresbrook Crown Court of killing Destiny Lauren at her home overtuin Leighton Crescent, off Brecknock Road, Holloway.

The 29-year-old pre-op transsexual, who was born Justin Samuels, was found dead by her brother in November of last year after being attacked and strangled.

Now Court of Appeal sources have revealed that Fyle, who denied the murder, has lodged appeal papers challenging the jury’s guilty verdict.

At his trial, Fyle admitted going to the home of Miss Lauren, who was well-known in Camden’s transgender scene, but denied attacking her.

After visiting her flat, he went to King’s Cross, where he visited another brothel and paid for sex with two more prostitutes, he told the jury.

But prosecutors said that, after arriving at her flat, Fyle had launched the fatal attack with a pair of tights. He then fled with cash, jewellery and her mobile phone, they alleged.

Although no date has been set for a hearing, it is thought that his legal team will argue that the murder conviction is “unsafe” and ask the Court of Appeal to quash the verdict.

If he is unsuccessful in his appeal, Fyle will spend at least 21 years in jail before he can even apply to the Parole Board for a review of his incarceration.

Miss Lauren’s family have been plagued by tragedy. Her uncle, Paul Hill, was one of the Guildford Four, wrongly jailed for two IRA pub bombings in 1975. He served 15 years in prison before the convictions were overturned.