For the first time in around 15 years, Luke Mitchell has appeared in public — but it was not a courtroom, an appeal hearing, or a campaign event that brought him back into view.

The man convicted of murdering 14-year-old Jodi Jones was temporarily released from prison to attend the private funeral of his mother, Corinne Mitchell, at Edinburgh’s Mortonhall Crematorium. Under strict security arrangements, Mitchell was escorted to the service by prison officers, handcuffed as he entered and left the venue.

But it was the emotional moments inside the private ceremony that attracted the most attention.

Witnesses described seeing Mitchell comforted by his longtime partner, Gemma Chapman, with the pair sharing an embrace during the service. The rare public appearance offered a glimpse into the personal relationships that have remained part of Mitchell’s life during more than two decades behind bars — relationships that have continued despite the controversy surrounding his conviction.

Mitchell, now 36, looked dramatically different from the teenager who became one of Scotland’s most notorious murder cases. Wearing a black T-shirt and jeans, with a shaved head and beard, he was almost unrecognisable to some onlookers who only knew him from images taken during his original trial and later legal battles.

One witness said they initially did not realise who he was until noticing the prison escort and security arrangements.

The funeral itself was kept private, with supporters and family members reportedly concerned that publicity could prevent Mitchell from being granted permission to attend. Details of Corinne Mitchell’s death were only shared publicly after her son had returned to prison.

Her passing marked the end of a campaign that had lasted more than 20 years. Corinne had remained one of the strongest supporters of her son, repeatedly maintaining that he was wrongly convicted and continuing efforts to challenge the verdict.

At the funeral, supporters of Mitchell were also present, with some wearing badges connected to campaigns calling for his release. Several offered him comfort, including an older woman who was seen embracing him.

A statement released by supporters after the funeral described Corinne as a devoted mother who had continued to stand by her son despite years of legal battles and personal struggles.

“Her determination to see justice done will not be forgotten,” supporters said.

Mitchell’s conviction remains one of Scotland’s most debated murder cases.

He was 16 years old when he was found guilty in 2005 of killing his girlfriend Jodi Jones, whose death shocked the country. Prosecutors argued that Mitchell was responsible for a brutal attack in woodland near Dalkeith, Midlothian, in 2003.

The case attracted enormous public attention because of the age of both the victim and the accused, as well as the fact that the prosecution relied heavily on circumstantial evidence.

Mitchell has always denied murdering Jodi and has maintained his innocence. His supporters have repeatedly pointed to the absence of a direct DNA link as a reason to question the conviction, while prosecutors and courts have continued to uphold the guilty verdict.

He was sentenced to a minimum of 20 years in prison before becoming eligible for parole. However, his refusal to admit responsibility for Jodi’s death has reportedly remained a major factor in parole decisions.

Interest in the case increased again after a television documentary explored questions surrounding the conviction and highlighted arguments from those who believe there should be further investigation.

During his years in prison, Mitchell has developed a group of supporters who continue to campaign on his behalf. Among those closest to him has been Gemma Chapman, who has reportedly stood by him for years and previously defended his character.

The couple’s relationship has remained a significant part of discussions around Mitchell’s life behind bars. Reports have previously claimed that Mitchell proposed to Chapman while imprisoned, with supporters describing her as someone who has consistently argued that he was wrongly convicted.

The funeral appearance also revived attention on Mitchell’s previous comments about life after prison.

Reports have claimed that Mitchell previously said people would struggle to recognise him if he was ever released because of how much his appearance had changed.

During his years inside, he has occasionally been photographed or recorded during legal proceedings and efforts connected to his conviction challenge. However, his appearance at his mother’s funeral was the first major public sighting in many years.

For some observers, the emotional scenes between Mitchell and his partner highlighted the human side of a case often defined by tragedy, anger and debate.

For others, the sight of a convicted murderer receiving sympathy from supporters reopened painful memories of Jodi Jones and the devastating impact of her death on those who knew her.

The brief release lasted only long enough for Mitchell to say goodbye to his mother before he was returned to custody.

But the images from that day have reignited a familiar debate: whether Luke Mitchell represents a man who has spent decades fighting against what he believes was a wrongful conviction — or whether justice was already served for one of Scotland’s most shocking crimes.

More than 20 years after Jodi Jones was killed, the arguments surrounding the case remain as divided as ever.