Steven Avery denied new trial in case covered by Netflix documentary Making a Murderer

STEVEN AVERY has been denied a new trial by a judge in Wisconsin over the conviction that was at the centre of Netflix documentary Making a Murderer.

Judge Angela Sutkiewicz ruled on Tuesday that Avery had failed “to establish any grounds that would trigger the right to a new trial”.

The 55-year-old was convicted of killing Teresa Halbach in 2005, but his legal team planned to present fresh evidence in a bid to secure his release.

He maintains his innocence, arguing that new scientific tests, alternate theories and questionable police motives should all be considered.

The judge, however, ruled that there was no reasonable probability that a different result would be reached in a new trial given the amount of existing evidence submitted.

The documentary centred on the investigation and subsequent conviction of Avery after the remains of Ms. Halbach were found on his property.

The series cast doubts on the legitimacy of the evidence that led to Avery receiving a life sentence for first-degree intentional homicide, but critics say film-makers presented a biased view of the case.

Avery’s nephew Brendan Dassey was also convicted of the killing, but last year had his conviction overturned as his confession, made when he was 16, was found to have been coerced.

The ruling is still being challenged by the state, with Dassey remaining in custody during the appeal.