Woman's conviction for murdering husband with lodger in Peterborough referred to court of appeal
She was jailed for life with a minimum term of 14 years in 2020 over the death of her husband Nigel Wright, who was found beaten to death at the flat they shared in the city in May that year
Last updated 24th Jun 2025
The conviction of a woman who was jailed for murdering her husband with the couple's lodger in Peterborough will be referred to the Court of Appeal.
Miscarriage of justice body the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) said that the case of Melanie Wright should be reviewed because of post-trial evidence that it says "undermines the credibility of a prosecution witness".
She was jailed for life with a minimum term of 14 years in 2020 at Peterborough Crown Court over the death of her husband Nigel Wright, who was found beaten to death at the flat they shared in the city in May that year.
Lodger Barry Chapman was also convicted of murder and jailed for life with a minimum term of 17 years.
The prosecution case was that Chapman had attacked Mr Wright, but that Melanie Wright had also joined in.
Announcing the decision today, the CCRC said the witness had been important to the case and could have affected the jury's decision.
The Court of Appeal will now review the case and decide if the conviction is unsafe.