Mother frustrated over murder appeal

Six-year-old Teresa Cormack was murdered in 1987. Photo / Supplied

The mother of murdered school girl Teresa Cormack cannot believe the man convicted of her murder is fighting to clear his name.

Jules Mikus was sentenced in 2002 to life in prison and preventive detention for the 1987 abduction, rape and murder of the six-year-old girl.

He is appealing his conviction through the Court of Appeal this week, asking for more time to file new DNA evidence.

Mikus is representing himself via a video-link from Whanganui Prison, after reports that several lawyers turned down the case.

Teresa's mother Kelly Pigott told Radio New Zealand this morning she knew Mikus was appealing, but never believed it would get this far.

"There is no new evidence and it was proven 60 million to one - that's from DNA that both mother and father - there's just no grounds for appeal.

"The appeal time lapsed years ago."

Appellants have 28 days following their sentencing to appeal their conviction, however Mikus filed his appeal in 2008.

Ms Pigot said Mikus's appeal is a waste of people's time and money.

"It shows not only is there a lack of remorse, he won't admit it even now. That really does hurt me and frustrate me [and] the whole family.

"He is not just a man appealing - he murdered my little girl."

- additional reporting Newstalk ZB