The convicted killer of Whakatane girl Emily Longley has won the right to appeal his conviction and sentence.

Elliot Turner, 21, was sentenced to life in prison with a 16 year non-parole period for the murder of 17-year-old Emily Longley in Bournemouth, England, last year.

Emily Longley. Facebook.

The Bournemouth Daily Echo reports a Court of Appeal spokesperson says Turner has been granted leave to appeal his conviction and sentence.

Emily's father, Mark Longley, managing editor of the Whakatane Beacon, says while the decision is not unexpected but he is disappointed with the announcement.

Turner's parents Leigh, 54, and Anita, 51, are also serving a 27 month jail term for perverting the court of justice, after they tampered with evidence when they destroyed a confession letter from Turner.