Monster jailed for murdering Nikki Allan, 7, after 31-year mystery launches freedom bid as he appeals conviction
A MONSTER jailed for murdering Nikki Allan after a 31-year mystery has launched a freedom bid.
Paedophile David Boyd, 55, has appealed his conviction over the murder of the seven-year-old who disappeared in 1992.
Boyd was told he must serve a minimum of 29 years before being considered for parole.
But he’s now lodged an appeal against conviction and the length of his sentence.
Nikki’s mum Sharon Henderson told the Mirror: “I was shocked when I was told that he was appealing against the conviction.
“He had his opportunity to protest his innocence in court. But he did not say a word.”
Sharon, 56, has called for a public inquiry into the original Northumbria Police probe.
She’s said: “Life should mean life. He should never be freed.”
Boyd was found guilty of luring Nikki to her death in a derelict building in Sunderland on October 7, 1992.
Once inside, the 55-year-old, whose partner was Nikki’s babysitter, bludgeoned the youngster with a brick and stabbed her 37 times in the heart.
Boyd then dragged Nikki downstairs “into the blackness of the basement” by her legs before dumping her tiny body in a darkened corner.
Her shoes and coat were discovered the following morning by people searching for her.
Northumbria Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness, who met Sharon to discuss the case, added: “This man has put her through a horrendous ordeal and it is time he faced up to his actions.
“Sharon is a brave, fearless campaigner for justice. I hope the courts do the right thing and throw out this appeal and end this woman’s torment.”
Newcastle Crown Court heard that Boyd was a cold-blooded killer who had a long history of sexual offences involving young girls.
But he had to be jailed according to guidelines in place at the time of the offence.
Nikki was last seen by a witness playing outside a block of flats where she lived and skipping behind Boyd.
New DNA techniques extracted traces of Nikki’s clothing in a breakthrough that ultimately led police to Boyd.
The schoolgirl’s killing led to a 30-year mystery that saw innocent man George Heron stand trial for murder.
Mr Heron had to leave Sunderland to begin a new life, despite being found not guilty.