High Court Denies Appeal From Man Who Slashed Danvers Cop

The state Supreme Judicial Court has denied an appeal from Roy Limbaugh that argued his recent trial should never have occurred.

Limbaugh, 60, was convicted and sentenced to state prison for 24-26 years in May for slashing Danvers police officer John Melto two years ago during a scuffle near Limbaugh's Popes Lane mobile home.

Prior to his trial finally commencing in Salem Superior Court, Limbaugh had filed a motion to dismiss his indictment on multiple charges of assault, attempted murder and failure to register as a Level 3 Sex Offender. He was representing himself after firing multiple lawyers.

A judge dismissed that motion and the trial began, which led to Limbaugh filing a petition with the SJC, which was similarly denied by a single justice. Limbaugh wanted a ruling from full court, however, and argued his trial was illegal until then.

In a ruling dated July 1, the SJC upheld the lower court decision, saying the petition is only applicable such that "review of the trial court decision cannot adequately be obtained on appeal from any final adverse judgment in the trial court or by other available means." And it's incumbent upon Limbaugh to demonstrate that, which the court says he didn't do.

"There is no reason Limbaugh cannot obtain the relief he seeks, if warranted, in his direct appeal," read the decision.