One of the three persons convicted in connection with the murder of prominent attorney-at-law Shirley Playfair has been granted leave to take the case to the United Kingdom Privy Council.

The Court of Appeal granted leave yesterday to Annette Livingston, 48, legal secretary, who was employed to Mrs. Playfair. She is seeking to have her murder conviction overturned.

Livingston, who is being represented by Frank Phipps, Q.C., and attorney-at-law Kathryn Phipps, is contending that some material irregularity took place when the prosecution failed to disclose vital information to the defence.

Convicted in April

Livingston, of Buff Bay, Portland, along with 28-year-old labourer Ramone Drysdale and 55 year-old taxi driver Ashley Ricketts, both of Maxfield Avenue, Kingston 11, was convicted on April 10, 2003 of the murder.

Drysdale appealed against his sentence, while Livingston and Ricketts appealed against their convictions. Livingston and Drysdale were successful in having their prison terms significantly reduced.

The Court of Appeal set aside Ricketts' murder conviction, substituted a manslaughter conviction and sentenced him to 20 years imprisonment.

Mrs. Playfair was in her office at Seymour Avenue, St. Andrew, on April 13, 2000, when men entered the office and slashed her throat.