A convicted murderer appeared before Court of Appeal (COA) justices yesterday morning, hoping to have his conviction squashed.

Shavargo McPhee was convicted over a year ago for the November 2008 murder of Brendon Dion Strachan in Marsh Harbour, Abaco and sentenced to life in prison.

Strachan was employed as a cashier at the family’s M&R food store when he was gunned down inside the storeroom.

McPhee is launching an appeal on several grounds, but primarily on the basis that the judge should have discontinued the case, as it was prejudicial.

The initial trial in the Supreme Court commenced with five men.

But during its course, the prosecution entered a nolle prosequi – dropping the charges against one of McPhee’s co-accused – in order to use him as a key crown witness.

However in order to allow the prosecution time to prepare its response, the justices adjourned the matter to June 22.

Attorney Murrio Ducille represents McPhee.

Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Franklyn Williams represents the crown.