Attempt to delay Lundy programme fails

Mark Lundy. Photo / Mark Mitchell

A television programme about the life of convicted double-murderer Mark Lundy is set to go ahead after his lawyers failed in an attempt to get Television New Zealand to delay it.

Lundy's lawyers requested a deferral because they were worried it could prejudice a possible retrial, TVNZ told the Manawatu Standard.

TVNZ declined the request, and the programme, Beyond the Darklands, is due to screen on Tuesday.

While a second appeal against Lundy's convictions was discussed by supporters last year, nothing eventuated.

Lundy's lawyers declined comment.

Lundy was convicted in May 2002 of murdering his wife and daughter at their Palmerston North home in August, 2000.

He was sentenced to life imprisonment.

Lundy's first appeal in 2002 resulted in his non-parole period being extended from 17 to 20 years.

- NZPA