Broome manslaughter appeal fast-tracked

An illiterate Aboriginal man jailed for killing a 21-year-old man in Broome in 2010 has successfully applied to have an appeal against his manslaughter conviction fast-tracked.

Gene Gibson, who is from the remote desert community of Kiwirrkurra, is serving seven-and-a-half years behind bars for fatally striking Josh Warneke with a pole from behind as he walked home from a night out in the Kimberley town.

Lawyer Michael Lundberg said orders had been made to expedite the three-day appeal, which has been tentatively scheduled for early March.