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But, first, we go to the Court of Appeal where convicted husband killer Viola Pook's appeal heard today. Two years ago, Pook was convicted of burning her common-law husband to death. As we reported, she stood trial before Justice Herbert Lord, where evidence was presented that on New Year's Eve of 2008, in Rancho Dolores, Pook doused 46 year old Orlando Vasquez with gasoline and lit him on fire. He suffered first and second degree burns to 70% of his body and died two days later.
The conviction depended greatly on an alleged confession, which she gave to the first officer on the scene, but which she later denied when the case went to court. And now, that confession statement is the main issue of contention that her attorney, Simeon Sampson, relied on to try to convince the Court of Appeal to overturn the conviction.

Her case was heard, and after the session, 7News spoke with Sampson, where he explained his case:

Simeon Sampson - Attorney for Viola Pook
"The Sergeant Zuniga said when he asked him what happened, she blurted out 'I caught him on fire' - that is a confession/admission. When the client came on and when this confession was about to be led into evidence by sergeant Zuniga - the judge allowed him to rattle it off without satisfying himself as the law requires that before the admission received into evidence, he must satisfy himself beyond a reasonable doubt on the basis of evidence 'I caught him on fire' was not obtained by promise of favor, pressure or oppression or under irregular behavior on the part of the police. The law says that the police satisfy the judge. The law is strict on that, before that type of evidence should be admitted, satisfy me that that evidence was obtained voluntarily, and that was what it was all about."

Reporter
"And you contending that that was not done at all in the case?"

Simeon Sampson
"No, it was not done at all."

Daniel Ortiz
"What is the outcome that your client is looking for to be admitted into a 'not guilty?"

Simeon Sampson
"I want it to be acquitted but the Court of Appeal has absolute power. They can set up an absolute fee or they can order a re-trial." The Court of Appeal has reserved judgment to be delivered at a date to be announced.