11 August 2007,
Sophie Lancaster aged 20,
and her boyfriend Robert Maltby aged 21, were in Stubby
Lee Park in Bacup, Lancashire, when they were attacked
between 01:10 hours and 01:20 hours on Saturday
at the
skate park
area of
Stubby Lee Park,
Bacup,
Lancashire.
The youths set about Mr
Maltby, kicking him to the ground, when Sophie pleaded
with them to stop they set about her, kicking her, and
stamping on her head,.
The gang, who had been
drinking heavily , had turned on the young couple simply
because they were Goths. One witness a 15-year-old boy,
told police: "They were running over and just kicking her
in the head and jumping up and down on her head."
Sophie, who was a gap
year student, died from serious head injuries two weeks
after the attack while 21 year-old Mr Maltby survived the
incident.
Harris admitted punching Mr Maltby once in the face, but
claimed he played no further part in the attack.
Both Harris and Herbert pleaded guilty to causing grievous
bodily harm to Mr Maltby, along with three others, two
aged 17 and one 16.
11th August 2007.
Ryan Herbert admitted the killing of Sophie. Harris pleaded not
guilty along with three others, they went to trial at
Preston crown court in March 2008.
27th March 2008
Brendan Harris was found guilty of Sophie's murder.
Murder
charges against three other youths - two aged 17 and one
aged 16 - were withdrawn by the CPS.
Speaking after the
verdict Det Supt Gradwell said
it was one of the most violent murders he had come across
in his lengthy career. He added: "It was a totally
unnecessary and appalling set of circumstances.
April 2008, Harris
was sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum term of
18 years before he can apply for parole.
Herbert, who pleaded guilty to murder, was also
sentenced to life with a minimum of 16 years and three
months.
Tuesday 7th October 2008,
Herbert and Harris lodged an appeal in the high court against their sentence.
Tuesday 28th October
2008, Ryan Herbert was sentenced to life, serving at
least 16 years and three months the Appeal Court cut the
tariff by nine months. Brendan Harris failed to have his
18 year minimum sentence cut.
