07/10/2008

Teenagers Appeal 'Goth Murder' Sentence

A gang of teenagers, convicted of carrying out a vicious attack on a couple, resulting in the death of a 20-year-old woman, are to appeal against their sentences.

Two teenagers were found guilty of the murder of Sophie Lancaster, 20, last summer in Stubbylee Park in Bacup, Lancashire.

Brendan Harris, 15 and Ryan Herbert, 16, were convicted of murder, after they repeatedly stamped and kicked her in the head, as she lay defenceless.

The pair turned on the young woman as she tried to stop them and three other youths from attacking her 21-year-old boyfriend Robert Maltby, who survived the attack.

Miss Lancaster died in hospital 13 days after the attack.

Harris and Herbert were told they must serve a minimum of 18 and 16 years and three months respectively before they can apply for parole.

Three other youths were also found guilty for their part in the crime. Brothers Joseph, 17, and Danny Hume, 16 were both sentenced to five years and 10 months, while Daniel Mallett, 17, was sentenced to four years and four months.

Judge Anthony Russell QC, sitting at Preston Crown Court, described the attacks as "feral thuggery", saying the boys behaviour "degrades humanity itself".

The sentence appeals for all five will be heard at the Court of Appeal in London today by three judges.

(JM)

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