Watson inquiry up in the air

Scott Watson. Photo / Mark Mitchell

A fresh legal inquiry into the safety of Scott Watson's conviction is a year old - with no sign of a report.

It's the latest effort by Watson to overturn his 1999 convictions for murdering Ben Smart and Olivia Hope.

Watson has exhausted his legal options, and last year wrote to the Governor General asking for the Royal Prerogative of Mercy.

An inquiry could establish if there was a miscarriage of justice, send a case back to court or prompt a pardon.

It could also result in no change to Watson's position.

Last year, Kristy McDonald QC was appointed to make inquiries into "new evidence".

Many of Watson's concerns centre on the police inquiry and the handling and presentation of trial evidence.