What makes you certain that Luke Mitchell is guilty beyond reasonable doubt?

[William Wallace]

Killer Luke Mitchell demands Satanic books in jail 18/04/14 JODI Jones’ killer, Luke Mitchell, has demanded the right to be given Satanic textbooks in prison because of his “religious beliefs”.
 http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/crime/killer-luke-mitchell-demands-satanic-books-in-jail-1-3375463

Rather undercuts the notion that Mitchell had no interest in ritual or Satanism don't you think.

We don't tend to agree on much, but in this instance we do.... him requesting these books is rather concerning. Some of these books have sold over a million copies though. It's not as if only 1000 people have read them, but why he would want to read them does set some alarm bells off. Although as usual with this case, it's "circumstantial". Sandra Lean said he wanted to read them to find out what it was all about, because he had been accused of being interested in the subject of such books at the time of the murder. That explanation didn't exactly sound very convincing to be blunt.

[Brietta]

We don't tend to agree on much, but in this instance we do.... him requesting these books is rather concerning. Some of these books have sold over a million copies though. It's not as if only 1000 people have read them, but why he would want to read them does set some alarm bells off. Although as usual with this case, it's "circumstantial". Sandra Lean said he wanted to read them to find out what it was all about, because he had been accused of being interested in the subject of such books at the time of the murder. That explanation didn't exactly sound very convincing.

One of two things I think

• either sheer stupidity and arrogance bearing in mind that accusations of Satanism had featured at his trial which he was now confirming.  Not well thought out at all.
  
  Prosecutors revealed his school essays included lines such as “People like you need Satanic people like me to keep the balance” and “Just because I have chosen to follow the teachings of Satan doesn’t mean I need psychiatric help”. https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/jodi-jones-killer-luke-mitchell-3407242
• it actually was a genuine request to exercise his religious freedom and conscience.  I'm not quite sure what to make of that one
  
  Mitchell, 25, also wants a copy of The Satanic Bible, which calls for followers to create a lawless world where there is no right or wrong and where human sacrifice and murder is not only tolerated but encouraged.
  ____________________________________________________________________
  
  Three of the requested texts are by Anton Szandor LaVey, the American founder of the Church of Satan, and include essays on demons, Nazism, cannibalism, death and child abuse.
  In The Satanic Bible, he promotes human sacrifice and discusses the conditions in which someone could be considered “fit and proper” as a human sacrifice.
  LaVey states: “The answer is brutally simple. Anyone who has unjustly wronged you.”
  ____________________________________________________________________
  
  One of the other titles, Satan Speaks!, has a foreword by goth rocker Marilyn Manson, whose paintings and music were said to have inspired Mitchell’s murder of Jodi.  https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/jodi-jones-killer-luke-mitchell-3407242
  

What Sandra Lean says is at variance with Mitchell's own words and actions and with at least one other criminologist who is not so close to the case and who has no personal axe to grind concerning Mitchell about whom she says...

Elizabeth Rudman, a criminologist with over 20 years’ experience, said:
“This is extreme material and it is very interesting that he has asked for these items halfway through his sentence.

I am taken aback that he is asking for these Satanic materials at this point.

“My problem is that the rituals involved in these materials are really anti-social and they elicit deeds that are against the law, such as human sacrifice.

“This person was convicted for murder. My first question would be: what is he going to plan now?

“It is possible Mitchell has given up completely. On the other hand, it can also be an indication of guilt.

“He has been in prison for so long, his hope of getting an appeal has been completely quashed, so now he may be showing his true convictions.”

[faithlilly]

One of two things I think

• either sheer stupidity and arrogance bearing in mind that accusations of Satanism had featured at his trial which he was now confirming.  Not well thought out at all.
  
  Prosecutors revealed his school essays included lines such as “People like you need Satanic people like me to keep the balance” and “Just because I have chosen to follow the teachings of Satan doesn’t mean I need psychiatric help”. https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/jodi-jones-killer-luke-mitchell-3407242
• it actually was a genuine request to exercise his religious freedom and conscience.  I'm not quite sure what to make of that one
  
  Mitchell, 25, also wants a copy of The Satanic Bible, which calls for followers to create a lawless world where there is no right or wrong and where human sacrifice and murder is not only tolerated but encouraged.
  ____________________________________________________________________
  
  Three of the requested texts are by Anton Szandor LaVey, the American founder of the Church of Satan, and include essays on demons, Nazism, cannibalism, death and child abuse.
  In The Satanic Bible, he promotes human sacrifice and discusses the conditions in which someone could be considered “fit and proper” as a human sacrifice.
  LaVey states: “The answer is brutally simple. Anyone who has unjustly wronged you.”
  ____________________________________________________________________
  
  One of the other titles, Satan Speaks!, has a foreword by goth rocker Marilyn Manson, whose paintings and music were said to have inspired Mitchell’s murder of Jodi.  https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/jodi-jones-killer-luke-mitchell-3407242
  

What Sandra Lean says is at variance with Mitchell's own words and actions and with at least one other criminologist who is not so close to the case and who has no personal axe to grind concerning Mitchell about whom she says...

Elizabeth Rudman, a criminologist with over 20 years’ experience, said:
“This is extreme material and it is very interesting that he has asked for these items halfway through his sentence.

I am taken aback that he is asking for these Satanic materials at this point.

“My problem is that the rituals involved in these materials are really anti-social and they elicit deeds that are against the law, such as human sacrifice.

“This person was convicted for murder. My first question would be: what is he going to plan now?

“It is possible Mitchell has given up completely. On the other hand, it can also be an indication of guilt.

“He has been in prison for so long, his hope of getting an appeal has been completely quashed, so now he may be showing his true convictions.”

Does anyone here actually know what the books mentioned above are about?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Satanic-Bible-Anton-LaVey/dp/0380015390/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3RQXQ1G68V41&dchild=1&keywords=the+satanic+bible&qid=1621644246&sprefix=The+sata%2Caps%2C174&sr=8-1

Amazon Review
One might expect The Satanic Bible at least to offer a few prancing demons or a virgin sacrifice, but if you're looking for a tour of the house of horrors, this is the wrong book. Far from a manual for conquering the realms of earth, air, fire and water, The Satanic Bible is Anton LaVey's manifesto of a new religion separate from the "traditional" Judeo-Christian definitions of Satanism. While LaVey rails against the deceit of the Christian church and white magicians, he busily weaves his own deceptions.
The Satanic Bible claims the heritage of a horde of evil deities--Bile', Dagon, Moloch, and Yao Tzin to name a few--but these ancient gods have no coherent connection between each other or to Satanism, except that all have been categorised by Christianity as "evil". Calling on these ancient names like a magician shouting, "Abracadabra", LaVey attempts to shatter the classical depiction of Satanism as a cult of black mass and child sacrifice. As the smoke clears, he leads us through a surprisingly logical argument in favour of a life focused on self-indulgence. The Satanic Bible is less bible and more philosophy (with a few rituals thrown in to keep us entertained), but this philosophy is the backbone of a religion that, until LaVey entered the scene, was merely a myth of the Christian church. It took LaVey, and The Satanic Bible, to turn this myth into a legitimate public religion.--Brian Patterson, Amazon.com

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Satan-Speaks-Anton-Szandor-Lavey/dp/0922915660/ref=sr_1_1?crid=26GDRXG4FFOIZ&dchild=1&keywords=satan+speaks&qid=1621645200&sprefix=Satan+speaks+%2Caps%2C182&sr=8-1

Amazon Review.

5.0 out of 5 stars The last book Dr LaVey wrote. A great read
Reviewed in the United States on 5 May 2019
Verified Purchase
I recommend starting with the devils notebook and finishing with satan speaks . It gives solid insight of what LaVey was all about and his genius way of looking at life . For non satanists and satanists alike . All around humorous , informative and mysterious .


Perhaps people need to research more and assume less.

[Paranoid Android]

De-sexualisation because the killer was an enraged female.

Really?

[Paranoid Android]

Does anyone here actually know what the books mentioned above are about?

Perhaps people need to research more and assume less.

Aye, this is absolutely fine, and nothing at all to be concerned about, even though WW of all people is concerned...

You can argue all you like that an interest in the occult can be purely academic, as the likes of Alastair Crowley et al might...

But LM's interest is highly suspect in the light of his conviction.

Do any of LM's defenders deny his interest in the occult/satanism, etc?

[Vertigo Swirl]

LM must have had rocks in his head if he thought demanding books on satanism on grounds of exercising his religious freedom was going to sit well with any forthcoming parole board.

[Brietta]

LM must have had rocks in his head if he thought demanding books on satanism on grounds of exercising his religious freedom was going to sit well with any forthcoming parole board.

I think there is an argument to be made for Mitchell keeping a low profile with an eye to looking forward rather than back.

I wonder if he actually wants to get out.

I think the documentary so late in the day of his twenty years - which is a long time by any standards - stirring up old memories of his horrific crime has done little to recommend either him or his release into society.

Incidents such as the request for books promoting Satanism and human sacrifice also late in the day will have done nothing to promote his chance of parole either.

Apparently his supporters have done their best to explain this away by saying he just wanted to find out what it had all been about as far as his trial was concerned.  Aye - Right!

[faithlilly]

Aye, this is absolutely fine, and nothing at all to be concerned about, even though WW of all people is concerned...

You can argue all you like that an interest in the occult can be purely academic, as the likes of Alastair Crowley et al might...

But LM's interest is highly suspect in the light of his conviction.

Do any of LM's defenders deny his interest in the occult/satanism, etc?

Firstly did Luke have any real interest in Satanism before the murder or was it simply a rebellious teenager’s F you to the adults around him? For example was there any satanic literature found in Luke’s home? Any research on the internet? Or was it simply a few stupid scribbled quotes and stories from a teenage boy who was desperate to be seen as edgy?


And no, LM’s interest is only suspect if you believe the nonsense printed in the newspapers and used by the prosecution at the time.

Remember this https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/real-life/orkney-child-sex-abuse-scandal-1099361.

Secondly was there any proven Satanic or ritualistic element to the murder?

So no, there is nothing suspect in Luke’s request for these widely read and totally innocuous books. Ill- advised maybe but certainly not suspect.

[mrswah]

I was wondering how Luke got into Satanism in the first place. Did any of his friends have a similar interest?

I was interested to read (Wikipedia) that Anton Le Vey was a friend of Marilyn Manson.

[faithlilly]

I was wondering how Luke got into Satanism in the first place. Did any of his friends have a similar interest?

I was interested to read (Wikipedia) that Anton Le Vey was a friend of Marilyn Manson.

Do you think he was ever really into Satanism or was it just a form of teenage rebellion?

[mrswah]

Do you think he was ever really into Satanism or was it just a form of teenage rebellion?

I guess a form of rebellion, probably against the Christian teaching he was getting at his Catholic school.

I very much doubt he was really a "goth" either: probably just liked the fashion and music connected with goth culture.  Same with Jodi and their friends.

Just my opinion, though.

[Brietta]

I guess a form of rebellion, probably against the Christian teaching he was getting at his Catholic school.

I very much doubt he was really a "goth" either: probably just liked the fashion and music connected with goth culture.  Same with Jodi and their friends.

Just my opinion, though.

It is probably well against the ethos involved in Catholic education and I think the art work on his jotters might have been seen as putting two fingers up to moral standards.

I think probably of more concern was the content of his writings contained within his jotters.

[Paranoid Android]

Whether LM's interest in Satanism was teenage rebellion or something more, why is he demanding books on Satanism these days?

It suggests a genuine interest in the occult, and it also suggests that there's something up with LM's thought process.

LM's alleged interest in Satanism at the time of the trial was arguable, but it's now been confirmed.

Was cheating on Jodi with two other lasses, smoked copious amounts of weed, was actually involved in dealing weed at the age of 14, kept bottles of piss in his bedroom, wrote iffy notes in his notebooks, was handy with knives, carried knives regularly, carved questionable carvings on trees, and has now been proved to be into Satanism, which was alleged at the time of the trial.

Highly suspect.

If anyone is advising LM, they're not doing a great job.

Order satanic books - aye, that will help your case!

Deary me!

[Brietta]

Whether LM's interest in Satanism was teenage rebellion or something more, why is he demanding books on Satanism these days?

It suggests a genuine interest in the occult, and it also suggests that there's something up with LM's thought process.

LM's alleged interest in Satanism at the time of the trial was arguable, but it's now been confirmed.

Was cheating on Jodi with two other lasses, smoked copious amounts of weed, was actually involved in dealing weed at the age of 14, kept bottles of piss in his bedroom, wrote iffy notes in his notebooks, was handy with knives, carried knives regularly, carved questionable carvings on trees, and has now been proved to be into Satanism, which was alleged at the time of the trial.

Highly suspect.

If anyone is advising LM, they're not doing a great job.

Order satanic books - aye, that will help your case!

Deary me!

It certainly confirms that the prosecution had followed the correct pointers to his thought patterns and interests.

[Nicholas]

Whether LM's interest in Satanism was teenage rebellion or something more, why is he demanding books on Satanism these days?

It suggests a genuine interest in the occult, and it also suggests that there's something up with LM's thought process.

LM's alleged interest in Satanism at the time of the trial was arguable, but it's now been confirmed.

Was cheating on Jodi with two other lasses, smoked copious amounts of weed, was actually involved in dealing weed at the age of 14, kept bottles of piss in his bedroom, wrote iffy notes in his notebooks, was handy with knives, carried knives regularly, carved questionable carvings on trees, and has now been proved to be into Satanism, which was alleged at the time of the trial.

Highly suspect.

If anyone is advising LM, they're not doing a great job.

Order satanic books - aye, that will help your case!

Deary me!

The story of Luke Mitchell ordering books on satanism was published after Sandra Lean abandoned his cause


http://miscarriageofjustice.co/index.php?topic=4792.msg540348#msg540348

&

http://miscarriageofjustice.co/index.php?topic=4792.msg173265#msg173265

April 2014
‘JODI Jones’ killer, Luke Mitchell, has demanded the right to be given Satanic textbooks in prison because of his “religious beliefs”.

July 2014
“Mrs Mitchell blames Dr Lean for the SCCRC appeal failing, which is completely wrong. Dr Lean has dedicated ten years of her life to the cause and has done a really good job.
“It’s appalling for her to be treated this way and it’s left the campaign in disarray.”


Sandra Lean appeared to me to have already abandoned Luke Mitchell’s cause prior the April 2014 news article - no longer believing Mitchell to be innocent

She indicated to me following Killer Simon Hall’s guilt she had wasted 10 years of her life - which ties in with comments made by the the July 2014 ‘source’