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Parents condemn murder sentence Parents condemn murder sentence
(about 3 hours later)
The parents of a 17-year-old who was murdered by another teenager have attacked the 13-year minimum sentence imposed by a judge.The parents of a 17-year-old who was murdered by another teenager have attacked the 13-year minimum sentence imposed by a judge.
Alan Dewar, 17, told police he stabbed Joshua Mitchell in Inverness because he was the nearest boy to him.Alan Dewar, 17, told police he stabbed Joshua Mitchell in Inverness because he was the nearest boy to him.
At the High Court in Glasgow, Lord Hodge sentenced Dewar to life and said he would have to serve at least 13 years before he could apply for parole.At the High Court in Glasgow, Lord Hodge sentenced Dewar to life and said he would have to serve at least 13 years before he could apply for parole.
Mr Mitchell's mother Marilyn, 53, said: "The 13 years to me is nothing."Mr Mitchell's mother Marilyn, 53, said: "The 13 years to me is nothing."
It should be a lifetime spent in jail for a life. What he did was so barbaric Andrew MitchellJoshua's father
She added: "My son being killed has ripped the heart out of me. I feel totally lost without him."She added: "My son being killed has ripped the heart out of me. I feel totally lost without him."
It should be a lifetime spent in jail for a life. What he did was so barbaric Andrew MitchellJoshua's father
Her husband Andrew Mitchell, 40, said: "We are told that justice has been done, but it has not - that's not justice.Her husband Andrew Mitchell, 40, said: "We are told that justice has been done, but it has not - that's not justice.
"It should be a lifetime spent in jail for a life. What he did was so barbaric.""It should be a lifetime spent in jail for a life. What he did was so barbaric."
Police described the stabbing as "the senseless murder of a young, innocent man".
Ch Insp Julian Innes, Northern Constabulary's Inverness area commander, said: "Our thoughts and sympathies go out to Joshua's family at this incredibly difficult time.
"We would like to thank the people of the Merkinch community for their information and support which allowed us to bring this case to a speedy and successful conclusion.
"The carrying of knives is totally unacceptable and the force will deal robustly with any offences involving knives and other offensive weapons."
Stood smoking
Dewar, who pleaded guilty to murder, lived in the same street as the Mitchells in the Carnarc area of Inverness.Dewar, who pleaded guilty to murder, lived in the same street as the Mitchells in the Carnarc area of Inverness.
The court earlier heard that Dewar stabbed Mr Mitchell in an unprovoked attack as he walked home from his parents' house in March.The court earlier heard that Dewar stabbed Mr Mitchell in an unprovoked attack as he walked home from his parents' house in March.
He then stood smoking as he watched passers-by rush to help.He then stood smoking as he watched passers-by rush to help.
On 22 March - the day of the murder - Dewar had been drinking and taking valium pills.On 22 March - the day of the murder - Dewar had been drinking and taking valium pills.