20/05/2013
Mairead Philpott To Appeal Sentence
Mairead Philpott, who was jailed last month for killing her six children in a house fire, is planning to appeal her sentence, Sky News has said.
The 32-year-old was sentence to 17 years in prison for her part in the tragedy. Alongside her husband Mick, she was found guilty for the manslaughter of their children.
The couple took part in a plan to set fire to their family home in Derby last May in an attempt to frame Mick Philpott's former mistress.
Speaking to BBC Radio Nottingham, defence barrister Shaun Smith QC confirmed that lawyers were planning to take the case to the Court of Appeal.
Mr Smith, who represented her during the trial, described the 17-year jail term as "too long".
He claimed: "We think it was too long and we are going to the Court of Appeal to see whether or not we can persuade the Court of Appeal to reduce the sentence.
"She was instrumental in killing six children, but we feel as though her role in the killing of the six children was not as substantial as the trial judge has assessed.
"We'll have to wait and see what the Court of Appeal say. It may well be that the Court of Appeal give us short shrift."
Mr Smith added that Mairead Philpott was "very scared" and "very vulnerable".
He said: "She was clearly someone who had been in a horrendous relationship, as the court heard.
"She was someone who quite frankly was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
"It was a very upsetting case for everybody involved and I think it took a little piece out of me at the end of the day."
Mairead Philpott's husband was jailed for life last month with a minimum term of 15 years, while their friend Paul Mosley, who was also involved, was handed a 17-year sentence.
Following the trial, Derbyshire Police said none of the defendants had shown any remorse for killing the children, who were aged between five and 13.
(JP/MH)
The 32-year-old was sentence to 17 years in prison for her part in the tragedy. Alongside her husband Mick, she was found guilty for the manslaughter of their children.
The couple took part in a plan to set fire to their family home in Derby last May in an attempt to frame Mick Philpott's former mistress.
Speaking to BBC Radio Nottingham, defence barrister Shaun Smith QC confirmed that lawyers were planning to take the case to the Court of Appeal.
Mr Smith, who represented her during the trial, described the 17-year jail term as "too long".
He claimed: "We think it was too long and we are going to the Court of Appeal to see whether or not we can persuade the Court of Appeal to reduce the sentence.
"She was instrumental in killing six children, but we feel as though her role in the killing of the six children was not as substantial as the trial judge has assessed.
"We'll have to wait and see what the Court of Appeal say. It may well be that the Court of Appeal give us short shrift."
Mr Smith added that Mairead Philpott was "very scared" and "very vulnerable".
He said: "She was clearly someone who had been in a horrendous relationship, as the court heard.
"She was someone who quite frankly was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
"It was a very upsetting case for everybody involved and I think it took a little piece out of me at the end of the day."
Mairead Philpott's husband was jailed for life last month with a minimum term of 15 years, while their friend Paul Mosley, who was also involved, was handed a 17-year sentence.
Following the trial, Derbyshire Police said none of the defendants had shown any remorse for killing the children, who were aged between five and 13.
(JP/MH)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 November 2013
Court Rejects Mairead Philpott Appeal
Mairead Philpott has lost her appeal over her sentence for the killing of six children in a house fire in Derby. Mrs Philpott was sentenced to 17 years in jail for manslaughter. Her husband Mick Philpott was jailed for life and a friend, Paul Mosley, was also jailed for 17 years.
Court Rejects Mairead Philpott Appeal
Mairead Philpott has lost her appeal over her sentence for the killing of six children in a house fire in Derby. Mrs Philpott was sentenced to 17 years in jail for manslaughter. Her husband Mick Philpott was jailed for life and a friend, Paul Mosley, was also jailed for 17 years.
20 December 2013
Pair Found Guilty Of Lee Rigby Murder
Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale have been found guilty of murdering soldier Lee Rigby. Fusilier Rigby was killed as he made his way back to Woolwich barracks in south-east London on 22 May. The soldier was struck by a car before being dragged into the road and attacked with knives and a meat cleaver.
Pair Found Guilty Of Lee Rigby Murder
Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale have been found guilty of murdering soldier Lee Rigby. Fusilier Rigby was killed as he made his way back to Woolwich barracks in south-east London on 22 May. The soldier was struck by a car before being dragged into the road and attacked with knives and a meat cleaver.
29 November 2012
Leveson Calls For Regulatory Body
The Leveson report has recommended a tougher form of independent self-regulation in the UK press. Lord Justice Leveson said the press had "wreaked havoc in the lives of innocent people" and called for a regulatory body that was independent of influence from politicians, the media and the government.
Leveson Calls For Regulatory Body
The Leveson report has recommended a tougher form of independent self-regulation in the UK press. Lord Justice Leveson said the press had "wreaked havoc in the lives of innocent people" and called for a regulatory body that was independent of influence from politicians, the media and the government.
08 October 2010
Delays For Asbestos Victims
More delays are now expected for asbestos victims after appeal judges referred their compensation claims to the Supreme Court. Judges were unable to agree on a High Court ruling that insurers are liable for damages from when the victims were exposed to asbestos.
Delays For Asbestos Victims
More delays are now expected for asbestos victims after appeal judges referred their compensation claims to the Supreme Court. Judges were unable to agree on a High Court ruling that insurers are liable for damages from when the victims were exposed to asbestos.
05 September 2007
Judge Calls For Complete DNA Database
A senior British judge has called for everyone in the UK and every visitor to be added to the national DNA database. Lord Justice Sedley, one of England's most experienced Appeal Court judges, told the BBC that the current database in England and Wales, which contains DNA from suspects and crime scenes, was "indefensible".
Judge Calls For Complete DNA Database
A senior British judge has called for everyone in the UK and every visitor to be added to the national DNA database. Lord Justice Sedley, one of England's most experienced Appeal Court judges, told the BBC that the current database in England and Wales, which contains DNA from suspects and crime scenes, was "indefensible".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.