Child murderer Ze Selassie had his appeal against conviction dismissed yesterday.

However, Justices said that they reserved a finding on an appeal against sentence until a decision is made in another appeals case.

Selassie, 34, was convicted last year of the premeditated murder of 14-year-old Rhiana Moore, who was around seven months pregnant with his child. Selassie lured the schoolgirl from a church youth group meeting in May of 2008 before stabbing her 18 times and dumping her body in the sea, at Blue Hole Hill park.

After being found guilty, Chief Justice Richard Ground sentenced Selassie to life imprisonment, with a minimum of 35 years needing to be served before parole.

However John Perry QC, representing Selassie, had appealed the conviction on the grounds that there was no evidence that the crime was premeditated.

Crown counsel Cindy Clarke meanwhile argued that a series of text messages between Selassie and the victim, along with the fact that Moore was stabbed with a knife, indicated the crime had been thought of in advance.

In a ruling released yesterday, Justices Edward Zacca, Sir Anthony Evans and Sir Robin Auld dismissed the appeal against conviction, writing: "We are satisfied that the evidence presented by the prosecution was sufficient to enable the jury to return a verdict of premeditated murder."

The Justices however reserved decision on an appeal of sentence, which Mr Perry had argued was excessive and not allowed in law.

According to legislation, anyone found guilty of premeditated murder is to be sentenced to life imprisonment with no possibility of parole until 25 years have been served.

That tariff was called into question when Dennis Robinson, who was convicted of "simple" murder for his role in the killing of the Cooper twins, was given a minimum tariff of 12 years.

In that case, Mr Perry argued that the mandatory minimum tariff of 15 years for "simple" murder was unconstitutional as it removed power from the sentencing judge.

That case is now itself in the process of being appealed.

Regarding the Selassie appeal, Mr Perry said the 25-year tariff mentioned in the legislation should be considered the maximum penalty, while Ms Clarke argued the sentencing Judge could set a tariff either side of legislated figure.

Court of Appeal's President Justice Zacca said the Justices would reserve their final decision until after the appeal in the Robinson matter is complete.