A MAN who hopes to overturn his conviction for a shotgun killing has been left in "limbo", not knowing when he might be released from jail.

Next May, Andrew Adams is due to complete the minimum 14-year tariff imposed by the trial judge.

But should his current appeal fail, the 36-year-old former aircraft engineer, who is serving his sentence in Durham's Frankland Prison, has been given no indication by the authorities when he might be released.

A Court of Appeal case began earlier this month, which is investigating whether Adams suffered a miscarriage of justice when he was jailed for life in May 1993 for the murder of teacher Jack Royal, in Gateshead.

It was hoped that the three Appeal Court judges would deliver their verdict before Christmas, but they have now reserved their judgement until later next month.

Family friend Anne Laws, a retired child minder who has campaigned for Adams' release, said: "We don't even want to go down this path at the moment, but should the appeal fail, we have no idea whatsoever when he might be released.

"We are in limbo."

She added: "We all hope there will be a positive outcome, but as things stand, Andrew is back in Frankland, where he was over Christmas, awaiting the judgement."

Adams has already been denied an early release after refusing to co-operate with the parole board, which will determine when he can be freed. This is said to be because to do so would require an admission of guilt.

A Home Office spokeswoman said they would not comment on individual cases.

But she said: "Completing a minimum-term tariff does not automatically mean release at the end of it.

"All the circumstances have to be considered by the parole board."

The Court of Appeal has heard claims that Adams was let down by his original legal team, while evidence said to have supported claims that another man carried out the killing of Mr Royal was not properly investigated.

Members of the original jury in the trial held at Newcastle Crown Court are also alleged to have shown bias against Adams.