No extra time in jail for killer

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A farm worker from Angus who strangled a woman in Aberdeen will not have his jail term lengthened.

Joseph Harrison, 29, was sentenced to six years in prison, plus three years supervision, for killing prostitute Susan Third in February 2005.

The Crown appealed the sentence, claiming it did not reflect the seriousness of the crime.

However, the Appeal Court has ruled that the jail term does provide sufficient protection for the public.

Harrison, from Brechin, killed Ms Third after she propositioned him in an Aberdeen street.

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He strangled her and dumped her body in a field near Stonehaven.

Harrison had originally been charged with the murder of the 21-year-old but he later pleaded guilty to culpable homicide on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

The Crown had been appealing his six-year prison term, believing it was unduly lenient, did not reflect the gravity of the offence, and that the discount on his sentence was excessive.

It also felt that given Harrison's lack of insight into his offence, his previous convictions, and the risks involved should he re-offend, the sentence did not provide sufficient public protection.

However, Lord Justice General, Lord Nimmo Smith and Lord MacLean concluded that the sentence did take into account the gravity of the offence, and the extent of Harrison's criminal responsibility.

They also ruled that the sentencing judge had taken into account professional opinion on the risk posed by Harrison, and had imposed three years of supervision after his release.

They concluded the appropriate balance had been struck.