THE man convicted of the manslaughter of Margate traffic policeman Jon Odell has been told he cannot appeal against the length of his jail sentence. Wayne Rule, 26, wanted the Court of Appeal in London to reconsider the nine year sentence he was given last June.

The decision by three appeal court judges has been welcomed by the senior investigating officer in the case and by PC Odell’s partner. Det Supt Bob Nelson said: "I spoke to Jon Odell's partner Kathy straight after the hearing.

We are both pleased that the Court of Appeal saw this as one of the most serious cases of manslaughter by motor vehicle and chose not to allow leave to appeal".

Rule’s appeal against the length of the driving ban imposed on him was allowed and it was reduced from 15 to ten years. PC Odell died after he was hit by a car driven by Rule that failed to stop for a routine roadside speed check at Shottendane Road, Margate, on December 18, 2000. The car was travelling at more than 50 mph in a 30 mph zone.