A CONVICTED murderer is preparing to make his second bid to win an appeal which he believes will see him cleared of brutally killing his ex-girlfriend.

A CONVICTED murderer is preparing to make his second bid to win an appeal which he believes will see him cleared of brutally killing his ex-girlfriend.

Kevin Nunn's family, who have campaigned tirelessly to clear his name, last night revealed his case was due to be heard the Court of Appeal within weeks.

It will be the second time in only five months that Nunn, who is serving 22 years in prison for the murder of his fitness fanatic ex-girlfriend Dawn Walker, has attempted to win leave to appeal. Nunn was found guilty in November last year of murdering Miss Walker two-and-a-half years ago.

His decision to again take his fight to Court of Appeal judges has been backed by his devoted family, who have now stepped up its fight to end their “ongoing nightmare”.

Nunn's sister, Brigitte Butcher, who is leading the campaign to free her 47-year-old brother, paid tribute to the support their fight had received so far.

His family has also renewed a £50,000 reward for information while his sister revealed a website set up to clear his name has attracted almost 8,000 hits.

Mrs Butcher said: “My brother's leave of appeal is fast approaching and we are again hopeful and positive of its outcome. We would like to thank the many friends who write to Kevin giving their continued support and believe in his innocence.

“One of his work colleagues recently visited Kevin, which meant so much to him during this ongoing nightmare. Kevin is a gentle, kind and considerate man who does not hold a grudge or believe in violence.”

Nunn, formerly of Woolpit, always maintained his innocence despite being found guilty in November last year of murdering his ex-girlfriend. Her body was set fire to and then dumped beside the River Lark, near Bury St Edmunds, in February 2005, close to her home in Fornham St Martin.

Nunn was denied permission to appeal against his conviction earlier this year by a single judge, sitting at the Court of Appeal, but he is due to have his second bid heard by three appeal judges later this month .

Mrs Butcher, and her sister, Donna, are also planning to attend the Miscarriage of Justice Day in London on October 13, when they will hear from guest speaker Sandra Lean, author of No Smoke, The Shocking Truth About British Justice.

Nunn was given a life sentence and told to serve a minimum of 22 years in jail after a jury convicted him of murdering Miss Walker, 37.

Ipswich Crown Court heard that Nunn was “consumed by jealously” when Miss Walker ended their relationship.

Speaking last night, Miss Walker's mother, Jean, said: “We just hope justice will prevail like it did at the end of the trial and with the first appeal in April.”