The mother of murdered Paige Doherty has issued a harrowing online plea over her killer's bid to have his sentence cut.

John Leathem, 32, launched a legal appeal to have his 27-year prison term reduced for the brutal murder just two days before Christmas.

Paige's mother Pamela Munro was joined by family and friends in court on December 23 as she listened to the details of her daughter's murderer's arguments just two days before Christmas.

She has expressed her fear in an online post that Leathem's legal bid may be successful and listed the horrendous injuries her young daughter suffered to highlight how "barbaric" Paige's murder was.

Leathem's legal team said his sentence, which included six years for an attempt to defeat the ends of justice, was "excessive" and "inconsistent with comparable cases".

Leathem stabbed the defenceless teenager at least 61 times and inflicted a total of more than 140 injuries when she stopped for a breakfast roll at the Delicious Deli in Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, on March 19.

Despite claims he was in "a panic", he cleaned up his crime and dumped Paige's body in bushes near Great Western Road two days later.

Ms Munro and the rest of Paige's family are still waiting for the ruling of the three judges in the appeal but it is expected to be published in the coming weeks.

Paige's heartbroken mother has now written a harrowing account of her daughter's injuries and pleaded that Leathem's sentence is not reduced.

She wrote on Facebook: "Just a wee update to let everyone know we still haven't heard about appeal outcome.

"We were told hopefully mid to end January so everyday I sit and wait for that phone call to let us know if his sentence will be lowered.

"I pray that the justice system of Scotland doesn't allow this man to have any sentence lowered whatsoever."

She continued: "Our little girl suffered the most horrific death I could imagine. She fought and was alive for a good part of her killing but was trapped in no way out with no help for her at all.

"She wasn't even six stone against a man who had a knife, a screwdriver and scissors but because he pleaded guilty it gets put on the charge that it's multiple weapons.

"I say time and time again about Paige's injuries being played down and I understand why papers do not print the graphic details but for the public to understand how barbaric this killing was I need people to know.

"She had 61 stab wounds and 85 slashes to her face and head. Some of these but not many were on arms. She had a massive bruise half size of her forehead which could have happened in transportation of her body."

Ms Munro added: "Her nose was clearly broken, also her eye was slit straight across. On top of these wounds Paige had a hole the size of a man's fist created by a further continuous uncountable amount of stab wounds.

"If i were to estimate i would say in excess of 200 to create this hole, the measurements being 9.5cm x 6.5cm x 4.5 cm."

Leathem's QC Iain Duguid told appeal judges in December that the punishment part of Leathem's sentence for murder was higher than other child murder cases and "represents a significant increase in the tariff" for such offences.

The lawyer also compared the sentence handed down to Alexander Pacteau for the murder of Irish student Karen Buckley last year.

Pacteau was sentenced to 23 years for the killing and trying to dispose of the body in a barrel of chemicals.

Mr Duguid said his client's actions were "no comparison" and suggested Leathem had said he dumped Paige's body deliberately in a spot where it would quickly be found.

Ms Munro said: "As Paige's mum, I take no pleasure in disclosing these details and do not wish anyone to be upset, it breaks my heart to say it out loud as I picture her wee face and how bad she looked but I feel that for as much support and help as we need then people need to know the true facts.

"Please bear in mind these injuries were contained to one side of her face and neck only the other side was as perfect as before she had been attacked.

"This 'man' is now being protected to the highest level in HMP Dumfries - prison where you can invite your family in to cook them a meal, where you can get a personal trainer, access to a skills centre possibly gaining a degree."

She continued: "Apparently this is his 'human rights'. Where were Paige's human rights when he overpowered her not only in strength but with weapons?

"Where are her brothers' and sister's human rights when they have to fear going anywhere in case something like what happened to their sister happens to them?

"Where are our human rights as parents where we live every day wondering if the person we are talking to is going to take another one of our children? We will live our lives in fear and worry because of his actions."

Ms Munro added: "If I could beg for his sentence to be made higher I would but again we have no rights to appeal - only the accused has that right.

"Every right has remained with him while our daughter was just a statistic in the system.

"Please say a wee prayer and hope that when we do hear back that it is the right result. For now I don't hold much hope."