CLaimed 'changes of heart' after the event can surely not have any effect on a sentence handed down at the time of trial ? Why is this grounds for an appeal ?
If he has really changed he needs to stress this when time comes for parole to be considered. And in any case, someone who would take to violence so, is surely not safe to be returned to society whist still able bodied anyway. I'm unaware one has the ability to check that their mind is now working ok and safe for society.
The £212k was everything up until now though, as I read it, not for an appeal alone.