Murderer in bid to appeal against his sentence

A MAN who was jailed for life for the murder of Claire Holland has asked for permission to appeal his sentence.

Darren Osment was found guilty of the murder of Claire Holland, 11 years after she was last seen at a Bristol city centre pub on June 6, 2012.

Avon and Somerset Police believed Osment had killed his ex-partner after a dispute over their child and refused to tell officers where her body was. He was jailed for life at Bristol Crown Court in December 2023.

A spokesperson for the Judicial Office confirmed that Osment had requested permission to appeal against his sentence. Any decision on granting the appeal would be taken by a senior judge.

It is understood an appeal was made soon after his conviction and a hearing date has not yet been confirmed.

Osment, 41, of Chessel Drive, Patchway, was sentenced to life in prison, with a 20-year minimum term.

As he left the court in December, Osment held up a paper note which read “innocent” against the dock window panel. His actions sparked dismay in the public gallery.

Osment had been caught by police officers after an extensive missing persons search and later a murder probe.

Osment was snared by an undercover police officer after he called 999 in July 2019 to confess to her murder.

During the trial his defence barrister said Osment was “somewhat of a fantasist” playing around the facts of the case.

He added he had concerns for his children and parents if he is jailed.

Claire Holland’s family have repeatedly requested that Osment reveal where her remains are so they can put her to rest.