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Sentences ‘not enough’

by Eve Dugdale
2/ 4/2008

THE family of a young man attacked outside a Glossop nightclub have criticised the sentences given to his killers.

Paul Beard, 20, of Old Glossop, died outside the Blues Club on Edward Street last February.

On sentencing, Judge Wait described Paul, a former Glossopdale pupil, as an innocent man who was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

A spokesman for the family said they were extremely grateful to the police and the legal team involved in the prosecution, but felt ‘incredibly let down by the sentences passed’.

The defendants have already spent time in prison on remand which will be taken off their sentence.

"With good behaviour the three will serve only half their sentences and two could be out as early as next summer," said the spokesman. "Two of the lads got four-and-a-half years. They could be out next summer and it was only last year that Paul was killed — it’s a joke. Two of them are only 20, they’ll be out at 22 and they have the rest of their life to live. These kinds of sentences send out the wrong message and are no deterrent.

"An innocent 20-year-old man was killed in a vicious attack and his killers receive less than someone convicted of VAT fraud. What kind of message does this send to people who attack others?"

Steven Simmons, 21, of no fixed abode, and Lee Mcllvenny 21, of Bowden Close, Hattersley each received four-and-a-half years after pleading guilty to manslaughter. Stuart Walker, 30, of Colborne Grove, Hyde, was sentenced to four years and eight months jail for manslaughter.

Walker already had an outstanding violent disorder conviction which he pleaded guilty to in July 2007. He was on bail for this offence when he attacked Mr Beard.

Alan Ablott, 39, of Helston Close, Hyde was found not guilty of manslaughter at Nottingham Crown Court in March but was found guilty of common assault during an incident on the same night.  He received a six month suspended sentence and was ordered to pay £500 costs.

Detective Constable Ian Butterworth said: "This was a violent, unprovoked attack which resulted in the tragic death of a very popular young man," he said."We’re pleased these three violent men have been taken off the streets and our heartfelt sympathies go out to Paul’s family and friends who have shown great dignity throughout this trial."

DC Butterworth said CCTV in the town centre aided the investigation. He said: "This was a big part of the case and resulted in the three accused pleading guilty at an early stage."