A gunman who blasted a dad to death outside his home has appealed his conviction for murder.
Thomas Duris, 28, was part of a gang who assassinated Graham Williamson, 26, in Blantyre, Lanarkshire, in a brutal revenge attack.
He was caged for a minimum of 23 years after being convicted of the August 2020 murder.
It has now emerged he has launched a bid to overturn the conviction.
The move was revealed as Duris appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court to be sentenced for dangerous driving.
He had been told to stop his Audi by an unmarked police car in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, but sped off when officers approached in April 2020 - four months before the fatal shooting.
Officers gave chase with Duris driving at excessive speed and in an 'aggressive' manner before he disappeared out of sight.
An investigation led to his arrest and he later claimed he did not know the males who approached his car were police officers.
Elspeth Forrest, defending, said: "We have now lodged an appeal against the conviction."
Sheriff Andrew McIntyre banned Duris from driving for 18 months but told him he would not be allowed to drive until he passes an extended test - if he is ever deemed eligible for parole.
The court heard his earliest release date is currently 2044.
Sheriff McIntyre said: "This is effectively a case of dangerous driving which involved a police chase which is still a serious matter.
"But that has now been eclipsed by the conviction you now have for an extremely grave offence.
"It is mandatory for you to be disqualified for the driving offence but you will not be able to drive until you sit and pass the extended test of competency whenever you are deemed suitable to be released."
Duris teamed up with Derek Felvus, 25, and James Baillie, 26, for the attack.
They all denied any wrongdoing and went on trial at the High Court in Glasgow but were convicted of murder by jurors.
Felvus was ordered to serve a minimum of 23 years behind bars while Baillie will have to serve at least 21 years.
The trial heard of a 'toxic feud' between drug dealer Felvus, Williamson and the victim's friends.
Violence was sparked after Felvus was recorded hiding in a Chinese restaurant in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, after being confronted days before the killing.
Felvus then teamed up with his accomplices to stage a revenge attack on their victim.
Jailing the trio at the High Court in Edinburgh, judge Lord Fairley said: "This was a premeditated murder organised and carried out by professional drug dealers to further their criminal interests."
Last week it emerged the three men have so far cost taxpayers almost £120,000 in legal aid.
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