Menu
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)
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)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 January 2013
86-Year-Old Killed In Brutal Assault
An 86-year-old woman was murdered in a "brutal assault" at her Cambridgeshire home, police have confirmed. Una Crown, who was last seen alive on Friday, was found in her bungalow in Magazine Lane, Wisbech, on Sunday morning. Post-mortem tests carried out on Tuesday found she died from injuries sustained in an assault.
86-Year-Old Killed In Brutal Assault
An 86-year-old woman was murdered in a "brutal assault" at her Cambridgeshire home, police have confirmed. Una Crown, who was last seen alive on Friday, was found in her bungalow in Magazine Lane, Wisbech, on Sunday morning. Post-mortem tests carried out on Tuesday found she died from injuries sustained in an assault.
03 February 2015
Arthur Hutchinson Loses Appeal
British courts do have the right to impose whole-life tariffs on prisoners who are jailed for life, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled. Triple killer, Arthur Hutchinson, who received a whole life sentence, has had his human rights battle thrown out by a European Court.
Arthur Hutchinson Loses Appeal
British courts do have the right to impose whole-life tariffs on prisoners who are jailed for life, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled. Triple killer, Arthur Hutchinson, who received a whole life sentence, has had his human rights battle thrown out by a European Court.
04 September 2007
Body Of Convicted Killer Found
The body of a convicted killer who escaped from an open prison has been found in his car in Derbyshire. Martyn Hughes, 50, from Norfolk, was serving three life sentences for the murder of his two stepchildren and the manslaughter of his wife. He failed to return to Sudbury Open Prison on Sunday after being granted temporary leave.
Body Of Convicted Killer Found
The body of a convicted killer who escaped from an open prison has been found in his car in Derbyshire. Martyn Hughes, 50, from Norfolk, was serving three life sentences for the murder of his two stepchildren and the manslaughter of his wife. He failed to return to Sudbury Open Prison on Sunday after being granted temporary leave.
19 May 2015
Killer Nurse Sentenced To Life In Prison
A nurse found guilty of murdering two patients at a hospital in Stockport where he worked has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 35 years.
Killer Nurse Sentenced To Life In Prison
A nurse found guilty of murdering two patients at a hospital in Stockport where he worked has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 35 years.
27 October 2011
Automatic Life Sentence For 'Serious' Re-offenders
The justice minister has revealed plans to introduce mandatory life sentences for those who commit serious crimes more than once. The "two strikes" rule will see anyone convicted of a second serious sexual or violent crime in England and Wales being handed an automatic life sentence.
Automatic Life Sentence For 'Serious' Re-offenders
The justice minister has revealed plans to introduce mandatory life sentences for those who commit serious crimes more than once. The "two strikes" rule will see anyone convicted of a second serious sexual or violent crime in England and Wales being handed an automatic life sentence.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
