Vincent Stanford’s looming April 27 deadline to plead against his life imprisonment has been stretched to July 30 by the Supreme Court. 

The news comes as a crushing blow to the former Canowindra resident and Leeton High School teacher’s family and friends, who must now endure another round of heartbreak. 

A former student of Ms Scott has spoken for the first time, condemning the decision to grant Stanford a reprieve. 

Leeton’s Adam Mitchell remembers walking into the 26-year-old’s drama classroom more than two years ago, being greeted with a “warm, infectious” smile. 

He said the Supreme Court’s decision to extend Stanford’s appeal time frame felt like having “salt rubbed into a wound”. 

“She didn’t get a second chance so why should he,” he said.

“Nothing can excuse what he has done and he should never have a chance to do this to somebody else.”

However, Justice Action coordinator Brett Collins believes Stanford should have the right to extend his appeal timeline – despite the horrific nature of his conviction.

“Just because someone happens to be a very unpopular person, doesn’t mean they should be prevented from having full access to the legal system like everybody else,” he said. 

“It’s not surprising that Stanford would request an extension for his appeal window given he would spending almost all of his time alone in a dark room.

“People in his situation have little to no access to a computer, lawyers and outside consultation so I would argue isolated people need more time,” Justice Action said.