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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Two teens arrested after stabbing of 14-year-old boy in Manchester city centre
Emily Sergeant
Two teenagers have been arrested following the stabbing of a 14-year-old boy in Manchester city centre over the weekend.
In case you need bringing up to speed first, at around 3:15pm this past Saturday afternoon (17 October 2026), officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called out to reports of a stabbing on the ninth floor of the Arndale carpark in Manchester city centre.
Emergency services attended the scene, and a 14-year-old boy was taken to hospital with injuries consistent with a stab wound.
Thankfully, the victim’s injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life changing, but an investigation and enquiries are ongoing.
Police conceded that this will ‘understandably’ cause concern in the community, but has assured the public that they believe this to be an ‘isolated incident.
And now, it has been confirmed that two teenage boys, also aged 14, were arrested on Sunday night (18 October) on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, and tat this time, they are currently in custody for questioning.
“We’d like to thank the local community for their support during our investigation as well as the passersby who helped the victim following this incident,” commented Detective Inspector Sean McFadden, of GMP’s City of Manchester district.
“Your quick-thinking undoubtedly saved the victim from potentially life-threatening injuries.
“We appreciate that incidents of this nature can cause concern and we’d like to reassure the public that we understand this was an isolated incident and there is no wider threat to the community.
“Officers worked quickly and arrested two juveniles on Sunday, and they currently remain in custody for questioning.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting log 2050 of 17/10/2026, or via the LiveChat function. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
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UK Government announces £100 fines for ‘antisocial behaviour’ on public transport
Emily Sergeant
The Government has today announced plans to tackle antisocial behaviour on public transport.
In a bid to crackdown on loud music, littering, vaping, and other threatening behaviour on buses and trains, guidance was issued by the Government today for local authorities to prosecute and even issue fines of up to £100.
For many, playing audio out loud on public transport – also known as ‘loudcasting’ – has become one of modern life’s most irritating parts of the daily commute, but now, a new national campaign is aiming to encourage rail passengers, in particular, to ‘share the carriage, not the noise’ to improve the journey experience for all.
This will include reminders of the rules in place on the rail network and, if a passenger refuses to stop when asked by authorised rail staff, they can be removed from the train at the next station or face fines up to £1,000.
On buses, however, the powers for authorities were already made possible by the Bus Services Act 2025, meaning all local transport authorities in England are able to set and enforce their own rules.
Authorised officers – including transport safety officers and the police – will be responsible for enforcement, rather than bus drivers themselves, and they will be tasked with a three-step approach to deal with incidents. They will need to:
Engage with the person
Explain the rules and their impact on other passengers
Take enforcement action if they refuse to comply
“We’ve all been on the train when someone starts blasting music or videos from their phone,” commented Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
“It gets on your nerves and can quickly spoil the journey, so we’re launching a nationwide campaign reminding passengers to use headphones on trains. On top of that, we’re giving local leaders new powers to tackle loud music, vaping and littering on buses.
“It’s a simple thing, but one that will make journeys that little bit better for all of us.”
Ben Plowden, Chief Executive at the Campaign for Better Transport, added: “Antisocial behaviour is not just irritating, it can be a real deterrent to people using public transport – especially people with different accessibility requirements.
“If these new powers are properly and visibly enforced, they should help everyone feel safe and comfortable on public transport and enjoy the ride.”
The Manc -
18th August 2020 
