The man convicted of murdering a German backpacker in 2007 in Taranaki has had appeals over his case dismissed by the Court of Appeal.
Michael Scott Wallace was jailed for a minimum of 18 years after being convicted of murdering Birgit Brauer, just outside of New Plymouth.
Wallace appealed against his conviction, arguing that he had not had adequate legal representation, and that fingerprint and DNA evidence presented in court was unreliable.
The Court of Appeal has dismissed the claims.
Wallace also argued his 18 year sentence was too long.
The Court of Appeal dismissed that argument too, calling the attack on Ms Brauer ferocious.
It said Wallace had beaten her senseless with a metal bar, then killed her with a knife.
He also has a lengthy criminal history, including a prior conviction for rape.
