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Killer teenagers jailed for life | Killer teenagers jailed for life |
(3 days later) | |
Four teenagers who kicked and stamped to death a cyclist in Bedfordshire have been jailed for life. | Four teenagers who kicked and stamped to death a cyclist in Bedfordshire have been jailed for life. |
Stephen Green, 55, from Luton, was attacked in an underpass by a gang as he cycled home last May, and died in hospital nine days later. | |
Darryll Bennett, 18, Richard McNamara, 19, Nicholas Garland, 18, and Shane Liddy, 19, all from Luton, were convicted of murder last month. | Darryll Bennett, 18, Richard McNamara, 19, Nicholas Garland, 18, and Shane Liddy, 19, all from Luton, were convicted of murder last month. |
They were given minimum sentences of between 12 and 19 years. | They were given minimum sentences of between 12 and 19 years. |
Bennett, said to be the ring-leader, was given a minimum term of 19 years at Luton Crown Court on Friday. | Bennett, said to be the ring-leader, was given a minimum term of 19 years at Luton Crown Court on Friday. |
He is currently serving a three-year sentence for two robberies and a theft for which he was on bail when he killed Mr Green, a former soldier. | He is currently serving a three-year sentence for two robberies and a theft for which he was on bail when he killed Mr Green, a former soldier. |
Despicable, self indulgent cowardice seems to fit your behaviour. You were all out of control Judge Bevan | Despicable, self indulgent cowardice seems to fit your behaviour. You were all out of control Judge Bevan |
McNamara was sentenced to a minimum of 15 years, Garland a minimum of 12 years and Liddy a minimum of 16 years in jail. | McNamara was sentenced to a minimum of 15 years, Garland a minimum of 12 years and Liddy a minimum of 16 years in jail. |
The court was told that the gang had been drinking brandy and strong beer and smoking cannabis before attacking Mr Green, of Ackworth Crescent, Luton. | The court was told that the gang had been drinking brandy and strong beer and smoking cannabis before attacking Mr Green, of Ackworth Crescent, Luton. |
At court last month, Bennett, of Eighth Avenue; McNamara, of Butely Road; Garland, of Bradley Road and Liddy, of Brickley Road, all of Luton, pleaded not guilty to murder. | At court last month, Bennett, of Eighth Avenue; McNamara, of Butely Road; Garland, of Bradley Road and Liddy, of Brickley Road, all of Luton, pleaded not guilty to murder. |
Bennett, McNamara and Garland pleaded guilty to the alternative charge of manslaughter, and also admitted conspiracy to rob. | Bennett, McNamara and Garland pleaded guilty to the alternative charge of manslaughter, and also admitted conspiracy to rob. |
Stephen Green was attacked in an underpass in Dunstable | Stephen Green was attacked in an underpass in Dunstable |
Judge John Bevan QC told them: "You behaved as a pack that night for entertainment. I don't think animals behave in such a way. | Judge John Bevan QC told them: "You behaved as a pack that night for entertainment. I don't think animals behave in such a way. |
"Despicable, self indulgent cowardice seems to fit your behaviour. You were all out of control." | "Despicable, self indulgent cowardice seems to fit your behaviour. You were all out of control." |
Mr Green's brother Richard said: "He cycled because he loved nature and animals and was doing his bit for the planet. | Mr Green's brother Richard said: "He cycled because he loved nature and animals and was doing his bit for the planet. |
"He saw the best in everyone and didn't have a bad word to say about anything or anyone. | "He saw the best in everyone and didn't have a bad word to say about anything or anyone. |
"It is terrible what these people have done. They have devastated our family." | "It is terrible what these people have done. They have devastated our family." |
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