Canada

Bernardo appeal rejected

The Supreme Court of Canada says it will not hear an appeal by convicted killer Paul Bernardo.

Bernardo was found guilty five years ago of murdering two Ontario schoolgirls, Leslie Mahaffy and Kristen French.

His lawyer argued the judge in the case made serious errors, in particular when he instructed the jury about the character of Bernardo's ex-wife Karla Homolka.

Bernardo admitted to kidnapping and sexually assaulting the girls, but he accused his wife of doing the killing.

The victims' families are relieved by the ruling. Leslie Mahaffy's mother Debbie called it reassuring, saying she didn't think this was a case the Supreme Court should deal with.

As is tradition, the Supreme Court gave no reason for its decision.