Teenage Goth Murderer's Sentence Reduced

One of the teenagers who murdered a young woman because she was dressed as a 'goth' has had his sentence reduced.

Ryan Herbert, 16, of Bacup, Lancashire, was sentenced to 16 years in prison for killing 20-year-old Sophie Lancaster last year.

The Lord Chief Justice, Lord Judge, and two other judges in London reduced the teenager's minimum term from 16 years and three months to 15 years and six months.

Brendan Harris, 16, who was sentenced to 18 years for the murder, failed to have his term reduced.

Ms Lancaster was subject to repeated stamps and kicks in Stubbylee Park last year. She had been trying to protect her boyfriend Robert Maltby, who survived the attack. She died in hospital 13 days after the vicious assault.

Three other youths involved with Herbert and Harris had their appeal sentences rejected by three judges.

Brothers Joseph and Danny Hulme and Daniel Mallett had stamped and kicked Mr Maltby into unconsciousness.

All five teenagers were given indeterminate sentences for public protection after pleading guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent in relation to the attack on Mr Maltby.

Danny Hulme, 16, and Joseph Hulme, 18, of Landgate, Whitworth, near Bacup are serving five years and ten months each, while 18-year-old Mallett of Rockcliffe Drive, Bacup is serving four years and four months.

(JM)