The man convicted of the murder and attempted murder of a London Muslim family in an act that was deemed terrorism is seeking to appeal the conviction.
Nathaniel Veltman was found guilty of killing Talat Afzaal, 74, her son Salman Afzaal, 46, his wife Madiha Salman, 44, and their 15-year-old daughter Yumnah Afzaal by intentionally driving his truck into them on June 6, 2021. Salman and Madiha's son, who was nine at the time, was also seriously injured in the attack but survived.
In February, Justice Renee Pomerance ruled that as well as his mandatory sentence of 25 years with no chance of parole for the first-degree murders of Salman, Madiha, Talat, and Yumnah, Veltman would also get a life sentence for the attempted murder of Salman and Madiha's young son. Pomerance also deemed Veltman's acts terrorism.
Veltman's trial last fall lasted 11 weeks, with his defence team arguing that his actions stemmed from multiple mental and personality disorders, an internet addiction, and the after effects of hallucinogenic drug use.
Veltman's lawyer, Christopher Hicks confirmed that his client has filed an "inmate notice of appeal." He added that this type of appeal must be done within 30 days of sentencing to keep his appeal alive until a "solicitor notice of appeal" can be filed.
Hicks said that another lawyer from his firm will take over the appeal, which will likely be filed in the next few months.
