One of the teenage boys who kicked Sophie Lancaster to death has received a reduction in his sentence. Sophie, who was murdered in August 2007 identified herself as a goth, and police believe that her death at the hands of five boys in Bacup, Lancashire was provoked because Sophie and her boyfriend were wearing gothic clothes. The conviction of her killers provoked outrage and comment worldwide, and resulted in her parents' setting up a memorial fund.

Ryan Herbert, 16, of Bacup, Lancashire was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for Sophie’s murder and was due to serve a minimum of for 16 years and three months before he could be considered for parole.

But yesterday, October 29, The Lord Chief Justice, Chief Judge cut Herbert’s minimum term by 9 months.

Brendan Harris, 16, who was also convicted of Sophie’s murder failed to have his minimum term of 18 years cut.

Brothers Joseph and Danny Hulme, 18 and 16 respectively, and Daniel Mallett, 18, who were involved with Harris and Herbert in the attack on Robert Maltby, also failed to have their minimum sentences reduced.

All five were convicted of grievous bodily harm with intent on the attack on Robert.

Sylvia Lancaster, Sophie’s mother, said: "I'm not happy he's (Herbert) got nine months off his sentence, but it could have been a lot worse. I'm relieved the others have all been dismissed.”
Bizarre were at the original appeal, which took place on 7th October, with a crowd of supporters from S.O.P.H.I.E.

Five barristers appeared before the Court of Appeal to represent the convicted teenagers. During the two hour appeal three judges were asked to reconsider the duration of the sentences due to the ages of the boys involved.

As a response to Sophie’s death Bizarre set up the Proud to Be Different campaign, where our readers can show their support for each other and also for the Sophie memorial fund, S.O.P.H.I.E (Stamp Out Prejudice Hatred and Intolerance Everywhere).