The man convicted of killing Meredith Kercher has hired a private detective to clear his name.

Rudy Guede was sentenced to 30 years in prison for killing the Coulsdon student in Perugia, Italy.

He was convicted in a fast track trial which took place last October behind closed doors.

He is one of three people charged with murder.

Miss Kercher’s housemate Amanda Knox and Miss Knox’s ex-boyfriend Rafale Sollecito are currently standing trial for the murder.

Prosecutors claim that Miss Knox, 21, and Mr Sollecito, 25, murdered the Leeds University student with the help of Guede, 22, a drifter from the Ivory Coast in November 2007.

They allege Miss Knox stabbed Miss Kercher in the throat while Mr Sollecito held her down and Guede tried to sexually assault her.

Guede claims he is innocent and has hired a private investigator Franco Ponzi, of Ponzi Group Investigation to clear his name.

He has an appeal hearing scheduled for November 18.

Valter Biscotti, Guede's lawyer, said: "We have new elements which show that Rudy is telling the truth. Franco Ponzi will use these to help with Rudy's case."

Miss Knox, an American student, and Mr Sollecito both deny they were involved in the murder said that they spent the night of the murder in Mr Sollecito's flat in Perugia.

They said that they returned to the house to find Miss Kercher semi-naked with her throat cut.

Prosecutors say DNA evidence links the pair to the murder.

The court in Perugia was told Miss Knox’s DNA was found on the handle of a kitchen knife, a possible murder weapon, while Miss Kercher’s DNA was on the tip.

The court has also been told Mr Sollecito’s DNA was discovered on a bra clasp belonging to Miss Kercher which was found at the scene.

Defence lawyers claim the DNA evidence is tainted.

Meredith Kercher, a university student, was studying in Italy for a year.

The trial, which has been adjourned for the summer, is expected to finish at the end of the year.

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