A DECISION in the appeal hearing of a Suffolk man convicted for the infamous 'Essex Boys murder' was deferred at the Court of Appeal today. The case of Jack Whomes, 44, of Brockford, and Michael Steele, 62, of Great Bentley, Essex, was back in court after accusations that contact between a witness and media representatives made evidence less reliable.

A DECISION in the appeal hearing of a Suffolk man convicted for the infamous 'Essex Boys murder' was deferred at the Court of Appeal today.

The case of Jack Whomes, 44, of Brockford, and Michael Steele, 62, of Great Bentley, Essex, was back in court after accusations that contact between a witness and media representatives made evidence less reliable.

The pair are serving life for the murders of Patrick Tate, Anthony Tucker and Craig Rolfe, who were found shot dead in a Range Rover on an isolated farm track at Rettendon, Essex, in December 1995, allegedly after a gangland dispute over drugs.

Prosecution lawyers argued the contact did not make the evidence less reliable and have indicated they will seek a retrial if the murder convictions are quashed.

At the end of a five-day appeal hearing, Lord Justice Maurice Kay, Mr Justice Openshaw and Sir Charles Mantell reserved judgment.

Lord Justice Kay said they would give their decision "in not less than a week's and not more than a month's time''.

See tomorrow's Evening Star for the full story.