One of Sophie Lancaster’s killers has been deemed “suitable” to be released from prison after 15 years.
Sophie died at the age of 20 after being “savagely and mercilessly attacked” by a gang of teenage boys whilst coming to the aid of her boyfriend, Robert Maltby, when the pair were walking through Stubbylee Park in Bacup during the early hours of 11 August 2007.
The gang lunged at Robert and then struck Sophie as she tried to protect him, leaving Robert in a coma as a result of the attack.
Sophie sadly never recovered, however, and died from her injuries 14 days later.
According to court hearings that followed the horrific attacks, it appeared that the young couple were attacked because they looked and dressed like goths.
Now, one of Sophie’s killers, Ryan Herbert – who was 16 when he was handed a life sentence after admitting to murdering the 20-year-old, and also pleaded guilty to assault causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent to Robert Maltby – is to be freed from prison after he was given a minimum term of 16 years and three months.
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Ryan Herbert was 16 when he was handed a life sentence after admitting to murdering 20-year-old Sophie Lancaster / Credit: Lancashire Police
Herbert first had his sentence reduced to 15 years after and appeal, and then had his tariff cut to 14-and-a-half years in 2020 when a High Court judge concluded that he had made “exceptional progress” in jail.
Now, the Parole Board have decided Herbert can be released from prison on licence, 15 years after he took part in the attack.
The Parole Board said they found Herbert had made “significant changes to his life which reflected his remorse, his insight and increased maturity”, and added in a document setting out the decision that: “After considering the circumstances of his offending and examining the evidence for the progress made while in custody, the panel was satisfied that Mr Herbert was suitable for release.”
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The document continued: “No concerns about compliance had been identified and Mr Herbert had good working relationships with professional staff.”
Witnesses, including his probation officer, recommended he be released on licence.
Sophie died at the age of 20 after being “savagely and mercilessly attacked” for being a goth / Credit: The Sophie Lancaster Foundation
Sophie’s mother, Sylvia Lancaster – who launched a foundation in her daughter’s memory to stand against violence and prejudice – said in a statement: “I’m obviously very disappointed in the result of the parole hearing [as] once again, we have a justice system that fails to deliver justice, however much progress people make in prison, they have been given their sentence in recognition of the extent of their crime.
“The judge at the murder trial described the attack on Sophie as “feral”, with the attackers’ behaviour “savage and merciless” [and] her injuries were so severe, the paramedics attending the scene could not facially distinguish if she were male or female.
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“How can you bear knowing the reality of the level of violence my daughter was subjected to, and stack that up against reducing the minimum tariff because they have done well in prison? However they have progressed, the minimum justice for the family is them serving the sentence they were given.
“Her attackers may not have been given a life sentence, but I have.”
Popular bar chain The Alchemist to rewind back to 2010 with cocktails and dishes for £6 next month
Emily Sergeant
One of the UK’s most popular bar chains is celebrating its sweet 16th birthday next month by winding back to 2010.
Money is always tight in January, right?
Once Christmas is over with, and so is the festive feasting and drinking, many like to use the first month of the new year to lay low and save some money back up – which is why The Alchemist is launching a limited-edition ‘2010 Revival Menu’, bringing back some of its most iconic early cocktails and dishes – all at their original prices from 16 years ago.
For the whole month, you can enjoy the curated throwback selection starting from £6, which i perfectly timed for a month of saving without sacrificing going out.
The Alchemist is rewinding back to 2010 with cocktails and dishes for £6 / Credit: The Manc Group
The 2010 Revival Menu includes the return of the fan-favourite White Chocolate Raspberry Martini for £6 on the cocktail menu, which was an early Alchemist staple, alongside other fan-favourites like the Colour Changing One and Virgin Pornstar, both for £6 again.
When it comes to food dishes for £6, you can tuck into a selection of different refreshing salads, while stretching your budget up to £10 will get you things like Chicken in a Basket, a Cheeseburger, and Fish and Chips.
Other iconic Alchemist cocktails returning for a fraction of the price next month include the popular Smoky Old Fashioned, and Dead Read Zombie – both for £8.
The Alchemist opened its original bar in Manchester‘s swanky Spinningfields district all the way back in 2010, and quickly became a popular and stylish destination with its high ceilings and industrial features, and has since developed into a much larger chain – with not only more Manchester destinations, but others across the UK too.
Macclesfield FC player Ethan McLeod tragically killed in car crash
Danny Jones
Local footballer Ethan McLeod, who played for Macclesfield FC, has sadly died following a tragic car crash on the motorway.
The Birmingham-born player and former Wolves academy talent was driving back home from Macclesfield’s away game against Bedford Town on Tuesday night when he was involved in a collision along the M1.
Just 21 years old, the talented Cheshire-based forward was a substitute in the 2-1 win over the East Midlands side in the National League North.
The accident is said to have occurred at around 10:40pm on 16 December near Northampton after his white Mercedes collided with a barrier.
You can read the official Silkmen statement in full down below:
“With the heaviest of hearts and an overwhelming sense of surrealism that Macclesfield FC can confirm the passing of 21-year-old forward Ethan McLeod.
Travelling back from Bedford Town last night, Ethan was involved in a car accident on the M1, which tragically took his life. Ethan was an incredibly talented and well-respected member of our First Team Squad, who had his whole life ahead of him.
“But more than that, Ethan’s infectious personality endeared him to everyone that he came into contact with. In giving his all in everything he did, Ethan effortlessly pushed us all to be the best we can be – both on and off the pitch.
“Ethan’s professionalism and unwavering work ethic inspired everyone, and his lust for life put smiles on all our faces – even on the darkest of days. News of Ethan’s passing has devastated our entire Club, and no words can convey the immense sense of sadness and loss that we feel now.
Rest in peace, Ethan McLeod.
The Macclesfield FC forward was involved in a car accident that took his life when travelling back from Bedford Town on Tuesday night. pic.twitter.com/A3u7JFmdlE
“The deep mental scars elicited from Ethan’s passing will undeniably never heal”, they continued, “but one thing is for sure, and that is Ethan’s vibrant legacy will never fade, no matter how much time passes in the future.
“Ethan will live in our hearts and minds forevermore, and no matter what the future holds, his unique smile that mesmerised us all will never be forgotten.
“Our deepest sympathy goes out to Ethan’s family and friends at this deeply traumatic time, together with an assurance that we will provide as much support as we can to those who need it. May you rest in peace, Ethan – you will forever be a Silkman.
His past clubs, as well as plenty of other teams, organisations and people in and around the footballing world, are paying tribute to the promising youngster.
Rest in peace.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Macclesfield forward Ethan McLeod who has passed away following a car accident last night.
The 21 year old spent a number of years with the academy setup at Wolves and will be missed by many. #WWFCpic.twitter.com/MSjKaISMKT
Emily Sergeant -
17th March 2022 
