FORBURY Gardens murderer Khairi Saadallah has applied to appeal the three life sentences he was given last year.
The 26-year-old Libyan, who admitted to the murders of Joe Ritchie-Bennett, James Furlong and David Wails in Reading on June 20, 2020, has pleaded for judges to overturn his sentence.
Saadallah was given three life sentences for each murder without the chance for parole, meaning he is set to spend life behind bars.
READ MORE: Reading comes together to remember Forbury Gardens victims in memorial service
He was also given three 24-year sentences for each of the attempted murder charges he pleaded guilty to.
But the killer has made an application for ‘leave to appeal’, which means he has asked a judge to approve his case as being fit for appeal.
The Court of Appeal said the case is being prepared for listing and as such there is no hearing date set at present.
However, the Chronicle understands that the Court of Appeal has assessed that a whole life sentence is an “exceptional circumstance”, and that the appeal “must be fully considered by a panel of judges in a full hearing.”
Thames Valley Police has been contacted for comment.
READ MORE: How police kicked into high gear to deal with Forbury Gardens attack
The Libyan’s appeal comes just as Reading marks the one-year anniversary of the attack.
Yesterday (June 20), a memorial service was held at Forbury Gardens to remember Joe, James and David.
More than 100 people -- including friends, family and community leaders -- attended the service in the Gardens.
The service began at 4pm with introductory remarks from Mayor David Stevens.
He said: "To those who lost loved ones or close friends that day, you should know Reading will always stand with you.
"David, Joe and James, you will not be forgotten.”
READ MORE: Remembering the victims of the Forbury Gardens terror attack
Speaking at the service was the brother of Mr Furlong, Gary, who told of how so many people lost someone close due to the impact he had on the lives of others.
He said: “James was a gentle soul, kind and caring, his morals were impeccable, never swayed by personal incentives, no matter the cost and consequence to him.
“He was truly a selfless man, his life was a story of triumph over adversity, coming out as a gay man so young in a time when acceptance was not where it is today.”
A crowdfunder for a permanent memorial to Joe, James and David has been launched.
Click the link above to donate to the fundraiser.
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