The person of interest in the disappearance of Orange County woman Tracy Ocasio was back in court Tuesday, hoping a Seminole County judge will toss his conviction and life-long prison sentence.

In 2012, James Hataway was convicted of attempted murder in the case of Rachel Clarke, who said Hataway tried to strangle her four years earlier.

During his court appearance, Hataway, who is acting as his own attorney, claimed his defense lawyers did not properly defend him and wants a new trial.

Hataway remains a person of interest in the 2009 disappearances of Christopher George and Ocasio.

He has not been charged in either case and was the last person seen with both individuals.

Ocasio’s family and friends were in attendance again during Tuesday’s hearing. Her mother, Liz, said she hopes Hataway’s appeal doesn’t allow him to become a free man.

“I pray he’ll never get out,” Liz Ocasio said. “If he does, I’ll face that when it happens, but I really don’t believe that’s going to happen. He might get a sentence reduction, but I think he’ll still be locked up for a long, long time, and as long as he’s locked up, women in Florida are a little safer.”

The judge eventually decided that Hataway’s appeal process could continue.

Until the appeal motion is heard, Hataway will remain locked up in Seminole County, instead of a state prison.

He is due back in court in March.