ALBANY — Back in 2008, Paul Novak had nearly gotten away with the heinous murder of his estranged wife, Catherine Novak, a resident of Narrowsburg, and he very well may have if his then girlfriend hadn't called nearly four years later in April of 2012, to testify.

Nearly one year later, after one of the longest trials in Sullivan County history, Novak was sentenced to life in prison for strangling his wife Catherine and then burning her house to the ground.

Perhaps in a last attempt to appeal the conviction, Novak recently argued that the testimony of his girlfriend and co-worker were not sufficiently corroborated and that he did not receive a fair trial.

Upon further examination, the Appellate Court in Albany found Paul Novak's remaining argument to be without merit, rejecting his claims on appeal.

“I am extremely pleased with the appellate court's unanimous ruling affirming Novak's convictions in this case,” stated Sullivan County District Attorney Jim Farrell.

“This defendant intentionally planned and executed the murder of his wife, Catherine Novak, and the arson of her home, and if not for the good work of the New York State Police and my office, he may have avoided justice. Thankfully, a Sullivan County jury, after an eight week trial, rendered a verdict of guilty that brought justice to the defendant and Catherine Novak and her family. The appellate court has now determined that defendant received a fair trial and has affirmed his convictions and life sentence.

“In addition, to the State Police who investigated this case and the Sullivan County Bureau of Fire, I would like to thank prior DA Steve Lungen who assisted in the prosecution of this matter and Chief ADA Meagan Galligan who worked tirelessly behind the scenes during the trial and on this appeal. Novak, will properly, spend the rest of his life in a state prison for this murder.”