Amanda Knox told the court she wants justice for Meredith Kercher, in a tearful address as part of her final presentation to prove the jury of her innocence today.
“Merdith was killed and I have always wanted justice for her. I want truth,” Knox said.
The 24-year-old, who in 2009 was found guilty of killing Kercher in what prosecutors said was a sex game gone wrong, said that she had been shocked by her friend’s death.
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“How did we feel when we learned that Meredith had been killed? I did not believe it,” she said.
“How was it possible? And then fear – this was someone whose life I was sharing, whose bedroom was next door to mine.”
Knox has always maintained her innocence and claims that a false picture has been painted of her.
“I am not who they say I am – the perversion, the violence, the lack of respect for life,” she told the court.
“I did not do the things they said I did. I did not kill, I did not sexually assault, I did not steal.”
As her family watched, holding hands and in tears, Amanda Knox made a desperate plea to be allowed to continue with her normal life.
“I want to go back home,” she sad.
“I want to go back to my life. I don't want to be punished. I don't want my life and my future taken away for something I didn't do, because I am innocent and Raffaele is innocent, too.”
Knox finished her appeal by saying: “This is what I am asking for: justice.”
The judge and jury have now retired to consider their verdicts.
No ruling on the fate of Knox and Raffaele Sollecito is expected before 8pm Italian time (7pm BST).
During her four years in jail, Knox is understood to have been penning her memoirs.
She has received million-dollar offers for the first television interview if she is released today.
If Knox wins her appeal, she is expected to fly back to Seattle with her family.
