South Africa's Western Cape High Court has dismissed an application for leave to appeal by triple axe-murderer Henri van Breda.

Van Breda, who was sentenced to life in prison in June for the murders of his father, mother and younger brother was seeking to appeal both the conviction and the sentence.

Judge Siraj Desai found him guilty of hacking his family to death in April 2015.

At the time of the sentencing the judge said the brutality of the attack showed "an unprecedented disregard for [your] family". He was 20 at the time of attack - but the motive for the horrific murders is still not known.

During his trial, Van Breda told the court that an intruder murdered his family and then proceeded to attack him.

Van Breda may still petition a higher court to hear his case in the hope that the Supreme Court of Appeal – which consists of a bench of judges – would reach a different conclusion. Until then, he remains in prison.