Margaret Anne Otto to appeal murder conviction on the ground verdict was ‘unsafe and unsatisfactory’

The lawyer of a Risdon Vale woman found guilty of murdering her husband says an appeal against her conviction is shaping up to be “fairly complex”.

A RISDON VALE woman found guilty last year of murdering her tattoo artist husband has appeared in court to appeal her conviction.

A Supreme Court jury on October 7 found Margaret Anne Otto, 47, and Bradley Scott Purkiss, 43, of Elderslie, guilty of murdering Dwayne Davies on May 26, 2017.

Otto was sentenced to 15 years’ jail with a non-parole period of 7½ years. Purkiss was sentenced to 24 years’ jail with a non-parole period of 14 years.

Tattoo artist Dwayne Robert Davies. Picture: INK ADDICTION

Otto appeared via video link from prison to the Supreme Court in Hobart before Justice Michael Brett on Monday for a directions hearing for an appeal of her conviction.

In a separate case, the Director of Public Prosecutions has appealed against Otto’s sentence, arguing it was inadequate.

Otto has appealed her murder conviction on the ground the jury’s verdict was “unsafe and unsatisfactory”.

Otto’s lawyer Greg Melick, SC, said the appeal was shaping up to be “fairly complex” especially due to it being a “circumstantial case.”

Mr Melick said it was preferable the matter be heard in person and asked it be moved to the court’s July term.

Margaret Anne Otto found guilty of the murder of husband Dwayne Davies.

Crown Prosecutor Madeleine Wilson said it was her “very strong preference” the matter be heard before the potential resumption of jury trials in late July.

Justice Brett, who appeared via video link from his home, said it was a “moving feast” as to when courts will be able to deal with matters in person again.

“My suggestion is we hold fire on listing the matter until we see what the outcome is [for lifting of COVID-19 restrictions],” he said.

The case was adjourned for a further directions hearing on May 26.