This is despite recent allegations by serial killer Levi Bellfield confessing to the killings of Lin Russell and her daughter Megan

The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), an independent body investigating potential miscarriages of justice, reviewed Stone’s case and determined that there was no real possibility of the Court of Appeal overturning his convictions.

Stone is currently serving three life sentences for the murders of Lin Russell, 45, and her six-year-old daughter in Chillenden, Kent in July 1996. Another daughter, Josie, who was nine years old at the time, suffered severe head injuries in the attack, and the family’s dog was also killed.

Last year, Bellfield claimed responsibility for the murders before later retracting his statement. However, in April, Stone’s lawyers claimed that Bellfield had written and signed a fresh confession to the murder.

Stone’s barrister, Mark McDonald, expressed astonishment at the CCRC’s decision, asserting that Bellfield had made numerous statements confessing to the Russell murders. McDonald criticized the CCRC, stating that the test they apply is too high and that the burden is unfairly placed on Stone to prove Bellfield’s guilt.

The CCRC spokesperson responded by affirming their role in considering new evidence or arguments that may lead to a real possibility of the Court of Appeal overturning a conviction. They explained that no new evidence or information had been identified that would question Stone’s conviction.

Bellfield is serving two whole-life orders for other murders and attempted murders. He was found guilty of killing schoolgirl Milly Dowler in 2011.

The CCRC’s decision has sparked debate regarding the handling of potential miscarriages of justice and the burden of proof in such cases. Stone’s legal team maintains that Bellfield’s confessions should be taken seriously and that further investigation is warranted.