A “COLD, callous” murderer who shot a businessman dead in his bedroom during a botched burglary has had an initial attempt to overturn his conviction rejected.

Guy Hedger was gunned down after intruders Kevin Downton and Jason Baccus broke into his home in the early hours of April 30 last year.

Downton, 41 and of Downfield, Winterborne Stickland, near Blandford, and Baccus, 43 and of Verney Close, Bournemouth, were convicted of murder, aggravated burglary, possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and burglary following a trial at Winchester Crown Court.

Both defendants were sentenced to life in prison and told they must serve at least 34 years before they can be considered for release.

However, Downton, a father-of-two, lodged an appeal to challenge his convictions earlier this year.

Although it was referred to the Court of Appeal in London, the prisoner’s initial bid has failed after a single judge refused his application.

Downton will have another opportunity to renew his application before a full court.

Mr Hedger, who was 61, was murdered in front of his husband Simon Hedger-Cooper.

The two had been asleep at around 2.45am on the morning of the murder when Baccus and Downton broke in. The murderers forced their victims to lie face down while they ransacked the property in Castlewood, St Ives.

Two safes were then discovered in a dressing room.

Mr Hedger was told to provide the codes but appeared to “freeze” and forget the sequence of numbers as he went to assist.

His husband, who had risen to help, pressed a panic alarm on the bedroom wall. Mr Hedger was then gunned down.

He went into cardiac arrest at the scene and was rushed to hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 5am.

Jewellery and other high-value items were stolen during the raid.

During a sentencing hearing, a judge said the planning of the raid was “amateurish and incompetent”.

Judge Mr Justice Jay told Downton during the hearing: “You have a cold, callous streak and show no remorse.”