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Murderer must serve at least 11 years
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.
4:05pm Thursday 8th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: cypruslad, cyprus on 4:32pm Thu 8 May 08
11 years,if it wasnt so serious it would make a good joke.
11 years,if it wasnt so serious it would make a good joke.
Posted by: berny, bly on 7:01pm Thu 8 May 08
and labour still dont understand why the voters have dumped them
and labour still dont understand why the voters have dumped them
Posted by: sarah, burnley on 7:08pm Thu 8 May 08
Id just like to add that Ryan left behind a 2yr son who never got to meet his dad, who now is under councilling due to the loss of hes dad. Im the mother of john-paul(his son), im the one picking up the pieces that the animal left behind and he should serve hes full sentence.!![bold]bold[/bold]
Id just like to add that Ryan left behind a 2yr son who never got to meet his dad, who now is under councilling due to the loss of hes dad. Im the mother of john-paul(his son), im the one picking up the pieces that the animal left behind and he should serve hes full sentence.!!
Posted by: parent, Rossy on 7:13pm Thu 8 May 08
I think he should have his case reviwed and is sentance INCREASED to 30 yrs Min
I think he should have his case reviwed and is sentance INCREASED to 30 yrs Min
Posted by: Jennii on 7:16pm Thu 8 May 08
Im the sister to john-paul(ryans son) ^^ and i have to put up with watching my little brother [bold]bold[/bold] ,who i love to bits, go through deppression and councilling!! Hes only 11 and im only 14 myself and i have too cope with watchin him cry when his dads name gets brought up and him wonder what his dad looks like and ask questions about him! he should be sent down for the full 11 years if you ask me!..
Im the sister to john-paul(ryans son) ^^ and i have to put up with watching my little brother ,who i love to bits, go through deppression and councilling!! Hes only 11 and im only 14 myself and i have too cope with watchin him cry when his dads name gets brought up and him wonder what his dad looks like and ask questions about him! he should be sent down for the full 11 years if you ask me!..
Posted by: escaped, Spain on 7:45pm Thu 8 May 08
I remember this case well, and all the 'Squirming' taylor and his legal team did at the trial. Ryans Family are showing great restraint in saying he should serve the full sentence: he should NEVER be let out. God be with you both John-Paul & Jennii
I remember this case well, and all the 'Squirming' taylor and his legal team did at the trial. Ryans Family are showing great restraint in saying he should serve the full sentence: he should NEVER be let out. God be with you both John-Paul & Jennii
Posted by: Absolute Joke, The dogs on 10:34pm Thu 8 May 08
Shane deserves locking up for live despite his regular lectures to young offenders.
This country has gone to the dogs.
What about the screwdriver stabbing that took place before he murdered this poor lad.
Lock away this scummy tw@t and throw away the f00k1ng key
Shane deserves locking up for live despite his regular lectures to young offenders.
This country has gone to the dogs.
What about the screwdriver stabbing that took place before he murdered this poor lad.
Lock away this scummy tw@t and throw away the f00k1ng key
Posted by: me, The dogs on 10:45pm Thu 8 May 08
Shane deserves locking up for live despite his regular lectures to young offenders.
This country has gone to the dogs.
What about the screwdriver stabbing that took place before he murdered this poor lad.
Lock away this scummy tw@t and throw away the f00k1ng key
Shane deserves locking up for live despite his regular lectures to young offenders.
This country has gone to the dogs.
What about the screwdriver stabbing that took place before he murdered this poor lad.
Lock away this scummy tw@t and throw away the f00k1ng key
Posted by: me on 10:47pm Thu 8 May 08
Rot in hell Taylor you scum bag
Rot in hell Taylor you scum bag
Posted by: Any Justice, outhere on 11:51am Fri 9 May 08
Though many would agree Ryan was no Angel he was not a bad lad. I know most of his family from my childhood is Uncle John Paul who is a good mate. Ryan did not deserve to die so young and tragic the lad who did this had all the intentions of killing him that night. Eleven years is no where near long enough. For the former partner of Ryan Sarah and his son I hope you find strength in one another and the councilling is helping. This murder shook all of Brunshaw that occurred in the early days of the New Millennium. Take care of yourself Sarah and the lad to. Ryan always in our thoughts.
Though many would agree Ryan was no Angel he was not a bad lad. I know most of his family from my childhood is Uncle John Paul who is a good mate. Ryan did not deserve to die so young and tragic the lad who did this had all the intentions of killing him that night. Eleven years is no where near long enough. For the former partner of Ryan Sarah and his son I hope you find strength in one another and the councilling is helping. This murder shook all of Brunshaw that occurred in the early days of the New Millennium. Take care of yourself Sarah and the lad to. Ryan always in our thoughts.
Posted by: Burnley Taxpayer, Burnley on 2:55pm Fri 9 May 08
How can 11 years be justified for an act of deliberate murder? In cases such as this life should mean exactly that.
How can 11 years be justified for an act of deliberate murder? In cases such as this life should mean exactly that.
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