TEENAGE killer Lee Ford has begun the fight to clear his name at the appeal courts in London today.Ford, of Henniker Road, Ipswich, became one of Suffolk's youngest murderers when he was convicted, aged 17, of taking part in a frenzied attack on 30-year-old Simon Williams in Landseer Road in May 2000.

TEENAGE killer Lee Ford has begun the fight to clear his name at the appeal courts in London today.

Ford, of Henniker Road, Ipswich, became one of Suffolk's youngest murderers when he was convicted, aged 17, of taking part in a frenzied attack on 30-year-old Simon Williams in Landseer Road in May 2000.

Lord Justice Kennedy, Mr Justice Wright and Mr Justice Forbes are the men responsible for deciding if Ford's conviction was justified.

Martyn Levett, appearing for Ford, began his opening statement by saying he would highlight what he saw as unfair summing up by the judge in the original case.

Mr Levett also criticised Suffolk Police's handling of the investigation and the way in which vital information was provided for the defence.

In particular, Mr Levett, drew attention to the evidence provided by Gavin Dighton, of Nacton Road, Ipswich.

Mr Levett said Mr Dighton had been interviewed by police on a number of occasions before any arrests were made. He said none of the information from those interviews was passed to him, seriously undermining his ability to cross-examine the witness.

Mr Levett said he believes Dighton may have been trying to cut a deal to clear his part in the attack and the role played by his brother Shaun and another boy who cannot be identified for legal reasons.

The case continues.