Mother of Sophie Lancaster calls murderer’s move to open prison ‘unjust’
Ryan Herbert, then 16, was one of two handed a life sentence for the murder of Sophie Lancaster. He is now moving to an open prison with the option for parole in 2022.
The mother of Sophie Lancaster – a young girl who was killed for ‘dressing like a goth’ – has denounced the decision to move one of her murderers to an open prison.
Sophie, aged 20, died in 2007 after being attacked by a gang of teenage boys whilst coming to the aid of her boyfriend Robert Maltby in Bacup.
A group of thugs had followed the pair as they walked through Stubbylee Park in the early hours of 11 August 2007, lunging at Robert and then striking Sophie as she tried to protect him.
Robert was left in a coma as a result of the attack. Sophie never recovered and died from her injuries 13 days later.
Five were arrested following the assault.
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Ryan Herbert, then 16, was one of two handed a life sentence for murder.
However, it was confirmed back in February that Herbert could see an early release from prison due to ‘good behaviour’.
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Following a parole board hearing, he is now set to move to an open prison in more relaxed conditions, with the ability to apply for release on parole in February 2022 – 15 years after the murder took place.
Sophie’s mother, Sylvia, has condemned the decision.
According to Lancs Live, she said: “Anyone who has lost a loved one to violence knows that the law and justice are different things. I know he is on his journey through the system, but my beautiful daughter lost her life and we can have no respite from that loss.
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“Days like today are hard to bear – you feel overwhelmed again with the injustice and unfairness of it all. It is particularly hard to hear in August, as we face the anniversaries of the attack and of the day we lost her.”
During sentencing, Judge Anthony Russell QC had recommended Herbert serve at least 16 years and three months.
In his closing remarks he stated: “This was a terrible case which has shocked and outraged all who have heard about it.
“At least wild animals, when they hunt in packs, have a legitimate reason for so doing, to obtain food. You have none and your behaviour on that night degrades humanity itself.”
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Co-op Live boss issues statement as troubled Manchester venue takes ‘a short pause’
Daisy Jackson
The top dog at Co-op Live has issued a statement addressing the immediate future of the venue, which last night announced more high-profile event changes.
The enormous new arena out by the Etihad Stadium confirmed that Take That – who were lined up to play a whopping SEVEN shows at Co-op Live – would be moving their five May gigs across to established venue the AO Arena.
It follows the postponement of Olivia Rodrigo (Friday and Saturday), Keane (Sunday) and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie (called off on Wednesday with fans already queueing outside) – not to mention Peter Kay and The Black Keys.
The Co-op Live has now said it will be taking ‘a short pause’ from events while it works to make the state-of-the-art space safe and secure for fans and artists.
Details of all the rescheduled shows, new dates and venue changes are towards the end of this article.
An independent inspection of the arena ceiling will be taking place in the next fortnight.
The venue has apologised again, saying ‘we are aware our actions have frustrated and angered ticket holders’.
In a statement it also said that the ‘significant impact’ on fans would be addressed and recognised, at the request of naming rights partner The Co-op Group – details on what that will look like will follow.
Tim Leiweke, Chairman and CEO of Oak View Group (which owns and operates Co-op Live), has now also released a statement offering his ‘sincere apologies’.
He said: “As many of you will know, it’s not been the smooth start we had planned for, and I know that has caused a huge amount of disruption and frustration to thousands of people.
“On behalf of all of us at Oak View Group, I’d like to express my sincere apologies to all those that have been affected. We understand that there is work to be done to rebuild your trust in us.
“This starts now and at the request of the naming rights partner, The Co-op Group, we will be addressing impact on affected ticket holders, details of which will be shared soon.
“I’d like to reiterate my sincerest apologies to everyone that has been affected by the delays around the opening of Co-op Live.
“The team here is working incredibly hard to get the building up and running, and we look forward to welcoming you to the arena from 14 May 2024.”
Co-op Live’s full statement reads: “Ticket holders and fans. Following the events that led to the cancelled A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie show on 1 May, we have decided to take a short pause to events at Co-op Live to fully ensure the safety and security of fans and artists visiting the venue.
“This time will allow for an independent inspection of all elements of the arena ceiling.
“We have worked with promoters to limit the impact on fans, keeping as many shows as possible in Manchester.”
As for the rest of Co-op Live’s opening gig programme (the next scheduled show is Elbow on 14 May), it continued: “At this time, we do not expect further impact on our opening season.
“We are aware our actions have frustrated and angered ticket holders.
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“We know you’ve incurred significant disruption, and are finding a way to help make it right.
“We are taking the pause to think about the best ways to do that.
“Our naming rights partner, the Co-op Group, has also expressed the importance of ensuring that the significant impact on ticketholders is recognised and addressed, with more detail to follow soon.”
New dates and venue changes for Co-op Live’s rescheduled gigs
Peter Kay – original dates 23 and 24 April. Rescheduled dates 29 and 30 April. NEW DATES 23 and 24 May.
The Black Keys – original date 27 April. New date 15 May 2024.
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie – original date 1 May – new date 4 May and venue change to AO Arena.
Olivia Rodrigo – original dates 3 and 4 May – new dates to be announced.
Keane – original date 5 May – new dates to be announced.
Take That – original dates 7, 10, 11, 12 May – venue change to AO Arena.
Take That – original date 8 May – new date 9 May and venue change to AO Arena.
Take That’s June dates remain unaffected.
Ticket holders for each event will be contacted by their point of purchase, and refunds will be available if preferred.
Gavin and Stacey will return with a 2024 Christmas special for its final episode
Danny Jones
After some pretty big rumblings earlier this year, it’s finally been confirmed that Gavin and Stacey will be returning for a Christmas special this year and what will be its last-ever episode.
The beloved British comedy last aired back in 2019 with their previous Christmas special and fans of the show have been crying out for more ever since.
Well, it turns out they’ll be getting just one more go around the block as co-creators James Corden and Ruth Jones revealed that they have now finished writing their third and final Xmas special which will tie a festive bow on the trio of series which started all the way back in 2007.
Sharing a picture of the script on social media, the pair wrote: “Some news… It’s official!!! We have finished writing the last ever episode of Gavin and Stacey. See you on Christmas Day, BBC One. Love Ruth and James”.
However, what was actually going on was a bit of a red herring as she carefully chose to talk down any notions of another series but didn’t categorically dismiss the potential Christmas special.
In fact, she actually went on to add: “All I can say is, if there was something to say on that front, James [Corden] and I would happily announce it, we would.”
And that’s exactly what they’ve done. Well played, Nessa.
As for details surrounding the final chapter in the Gavin and Stacey story, we have very few details at this stage but fans of the iconic show will already be wondering how they might pick up from where certain threads left off.
Production companies Baby Cow, Corden’s Fulwell 73 and Jones’ Tidy Productions are all behind the special and, given the momentous occasion, it will likely have a primetime slot on the TV guide when it finally rolls around this holiday season.
So get your remotes, baubles and bhunas at the ready because Gavin and Stacey is coming back for one last time and it’s sure to be a TV event that people all across the UK will remember for years to come.