'You've made an enormous mistake': Pale Amanda Knox begins appeal hearing as she insists she is not 'diabolical' murderer
By Daily Mail ReporterLast updated at 2:26 PM on 11th December 2010
Amanda Knox appeared in court today as her appeal against her conviction for murdering British student Meredith Kercher began today.
In an emotional address to the appeals court in Perugia, she said her life had been 'broken' by three years in jail and insisted she was not the 'dangerous, diabolical' person described by the prosecution.
Appearing pale and gaunt again, the American student, known as Foxy Knoxy, smiled at her lawyers and even rested her head on one's shoulder at the start of the hearing.
She was found guilty last year of killing the 21-year-old in what prosecutors claimed was a sex game that turned violent.
Charm: Amanda Knox smiles at one of her lawyers as the start of her appeal hearing begins in a Perugia court
Stress? The American student, known as Foxy Knoxy for her usuall glamorous appearance, has looked increasingly pale and gaunt at recent court hearings
Sollecito appeared alongside Knox as he also launched his appeal against the murder conviction.
Knox was in tears during the hearing and said she thinks of Kercher as a dear friend she is 'grateful and honoured' to have met.
The pair were last in court two weeks ago for a 15-minute hearing that dealt with technical matters.
Knox was supported by her step-father Chris Mellas and friends from the U.S. who have always insisted her innocence and backed her bid to overturn the conviction.
Today's court appearance is expected to cover preliminary matters.
Shoulder to cry on? Knox, who was jailed for 26 years for the murder of British student Meredith Kercher, leans her head on one of her lawyers
Former lovers: Knox and ex-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito, who was also jailed for 25 years for the murder, both appeared in court to launch their appeals
Victim: 21-year-old Meredith Kercher was found with her throat slashed partially hidden underneath a duvet
Her throat had been slit and her semi-naked body was found partially covered by a duvet.
Knox's lawyers believe they have new evidence to clear her of murder and will also try to introduce a new witness.
They will also call for a full review of the forensic evidence used in the trial, including the disputed traces of DNA found on a knife allegedly used in the murder, and on the clasp of Miss Kercher's bra.
The defence maintains that the DNA evidence was inconclusive and has also argued it may have been contaminated when analysed.
In their appeal motion, defence lawyers were critical of the verdict, claiming it was based on hypotheses and there was no motive.
If Knox's appeal is rejected, she could face a longer sentence behind bars.
