AN appeal lodged by teenage killer Edward Redman could be considered by a judge before Christmas.

In September, Redman, 18, of Weyland Drive, Stanway, launched a bid to overturn his conviction and sentence for fatally stabbing student Jay Whiston.

Redman was jailed for at least 17 years at Chelmsford Crown Court on May 1 after a jury unanimously found him guilty of murdering Clacton student Jay Whiston.

Redman, who did not give evidence during the 12-week hearing, claims he did not get a fair trial.

The Court of Appeal has confirmed a single judge could look at the appeal application by Christmas.

The judge would consider if there are strong enough grounds for Redman to appeal the decision.

If there are, three judges will hear the appeal.

Jay, 17, of Aster Close, was stabbed to death on September 8, 2012, outside a house party in Marlowe Way, Colchester.

At the time of the murder, Redman was out on licence at the end of a four-month prison sentence for burglary and joyriding.

His father, Gary, 52, of Halstead Road, Eight Ash Green, and brother, John, 19, of High Street, Halstead, were each jailed for two years for perverting the course of justice, after trying to destroy evidence. John Redman has since been released.

Redman’s former girlfriend Shannon Fenlon, 19, of Jameson Road, Clacton, was jailed for nine months on the same charge.

She was released after nine weeks.