16/05/2008

Convicted Murderer Will Never Be Freed, Judge Says

A High Court judge has told a triple killer that he will spend the rest of his life in prison.

Arthur Hutchinson, who is in his 60s, from Hartlepool, was sentenced to three life sentences for murdering the mother, father and brother of a bride hours after her wedding in 1983.

Basil Laitner, his wife Avril and son Richard were stabbed to death at the wedding reception of their daughter Suzanne, in Dore, South Sheffield.

Hutchinson was also convicted of raping Mr Laitner's other 18-year-old daughter after slaughtering the family members.

It is reported that a palm print on a bottle of champagne lead police to him.

The killer is one of a small number of British criminals who have been told by the Home Secretary that "life means life" and they will die in prison.

Reviewing the case at London's High Court, Mr Justice Tugendhat ruled that he had "no reason at all" for disagreeing with the Home Secretary.

Hutchinson had originally been sentenced a minimum jail term of 18 years.

Former Lord Chief Justice, Lord Lane, said in 1984 that he did not think that Hutchinson should ever be released.

Mr Tugendhat refused Hutchinson a hearing to overturn his 'whole life' tariff.

He said: "These were exceptionally serious murders and it is right that Hutchinson should remain in prison for the rest of his life by way of punishment."

It is reported that at the time of the murders, Hutchinson was on the run from police for another rape.

Other notorious killers serving whole life sentences are Malcolm Green, 53, Myra Hindley, 58, and Colin Ireland, 46.

Barrister John Upton has the controversial view that even 'lifers' deserve some hope of freedom.

Twenty-three inmates in British jails will never be released, only 14 names have been released by the UK Prison Service.

(DS)


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