October 29, 2008 11:14

'Goth murderer''s jail sentence reduced

Teenager convicted of killing Sophie Lancaster's sentence cut

Ryan Herbet, who in March was convicted of murdering Lancashire resident Sophie Lancaster in what was dubbed a 'goth killing', has had his murder sentence reduced.

In August 2007 a group of teenagers, including Herbet, kicked Lancaster to death in Stubbylee Park, Bacup.

Herbert was given a jail sentence of 16 years and three months, but the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Judge, reduced his sentence by nine months at London's Court Of Appeal, reports BBC News.

Three other youths had appealed for reduced sentences, but they were rejected by the judge.

During the original trial prosecutor Michael Shorrock QC said that when the youths attacked Lancaster, who dressed in the gothic style, they behaved "like a pack of wild animals".

Lancaster's boyfriend, Robert Maltby, was seriously injured during the attack.