Ontario's highest court has dismissed an appeal by the convicted killer of eight-year-old Victoria Stafford.
Michael Rafferty was sentenced to life in prison in 2013 with no chance of parole for 25 years for kidnapping, sexual assault causing bodily harm and first-degree murder in the death of the Woodstock, Ont., girl.
Rafferty's accomplice, Terri-Lynne McClintic, pleaded guilty in 2010 to first-degree murder.
Rafferty's lawyer, Paul Calarco, argued on Monday that the judge made several errors, including failing to warn the jury against relying on the testimony of McClintic, and arguing that she could have been the driving force behind the murder.
Calarco also said some of Rafferty's actions after the killing -- such as cleaning his car, disposing of clothing and giving a false alibi -- were ``equally consistent'' with being an accessory after the fact.
The appeal court judges dismissed Rafferty's appeal before hearing the Crown's arguments.
Upon delivering the news that Rafferty's appeal would not be allowed to proceed, Justice John Laskin told Calarco that while he presented his case well, "we simply do not agree with you."
Stafford's family erupted into a short burst of applause from the courtroom gallery.
Someone could be heard yelling, "justice has been served again!"
Outside the courthouse, members and supporters of the Stafford family shared tearful embraces and expressed the hope that Monday's decision would allow them to move on.
Tori's father, Rodney Stafford, says he feels "really good" about the fact that Rafferty's appeal will not go ahead.
"We really had no reason to be here," he says, explaining that he feels the trial did enough to prove that Rafferty belongs in prison.
It is "exactly where he deserves to be," Stafford added.
- with files from NEWSTALK 1010's James Moore