Murderer must serve at least 11 years

4:05pm Thursday 8th May 2008

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A YOUTH who beat a former school mate to death could be freed after spending just 11 years behind bars.

Shane Steven Taylor, of Brunshaw Avenue, Burnley, pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court in June 2000 to murdering Ryan O'Riley and was jailed for life.

At The Royal Courts of Justice in London, Mr Justice Roderick Evans ordered that he serve a minimum term - his tariff - of 11 years.

The judge refused to make it any lower, despite hearing that Taylor has shown remorse for what happened - and regularly lectures young offenders on avoiding a life of crime.

Mr Justice Evans said that, although Taylor deserves to be "commended" for his actions, his crime was so serious that 11 years was the least he could expect.

The court heard that Taylor, now 29, attacked Mr O'Riley on January 8, 2000 in Borwsholme Avenue, Burnley, kicking him between eight and 10 times, causing fatal bruising and swelling to his head and neck.

Taylor had also armed himself with a knife, but did not use it.

At the Crown Court, Taylor pleaded guilty on the basis that Mr O'Riley had threatened his girlfriend on the day of the murder, and had also bullied him at school. He alleged that, in December 1999, there was another incident in which Mr O'Riley was threatening towards him.

Justice Evans added that a pyschiatric report suggested Taylor - a labourer - may have reacted particularly strongly after his girlfriend was threatened because his mother was a victim of domestic violence.

But the judge said he had also taken into account the fact Taylor had a previous conviction for wounding, after attacking a man with a screwdriver.

Given the time he spent on remand, the ruling means Taylor will be eligible for parole early in 2011, although he will only be released if he can persuade the Parole Board he is no longer a danger to the public.

Mr O'Riley formerly attended St Mary's RC Junior School and St Theodore's RC High School.

He worked as a labourer at a packaging firm in Accrington.