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Parents' fury over 13-year sentence for son's killer



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Published Date: 31 July 2008
By John Ross
THE parents of a teenager stabbed to death in an unprovoked attack reacted angrily yesterday as his killer was jailed.
Alan Dewar, 18, was given a life sentence and ordered to serve a minimum of 13 years, for the murder of Joshua Mitchell near his home in Inverness in March.

The court had heard that Dewar, who was high on drugs and alcohol, stabbed Mr Mitchell in an unprovoked attack, then stood smoking as he watched passers-by rush to help.

Afterwards, Mr Mitchell's parents, Andrew and Marilyn, said justice had not been served. Dewar, who previously admitted murder, returned to the High Court in Glasgow yesterday for sentencing. He has served a jail term for carrying a knife and was convicted of assault last year.

He had been out of custody only a week before stabbing Mr Mitchell, 17, after earlier breaking a curfew order. Outside court, Andrew Mitchell, 40, said: "We are told that justice has been done, but it has not. It should be a lifetime spent in jail for a life. What he did was so barbaric."

His wife Marilyn said Dewar had taken away her "angel", adding: "My son being killed has ripped the heart out of me."





The full article contains 212 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 31 July 2008 1:27 AM
  • Source: The Scotsman
  • Location: Edinburgh
 
1

Dr. James Wilkie,

Vienna 31/07/2008 08:15:11
The headline is misleading. This is not a 13-year sentence. A life sentence means life. The ruling is simply that he may not be considered for parole - release under supervision - for a minimum of 13 years. He can be recalled to prison for the rest of his natural life for the slightest infringement, and without further trial. He will never be free. These decisions are made on the basis of psychiatric and social background reports, and reflect the assessed chances of rehabilitation - which is surely more productive than keeping someone locked away for decades at the taxpayer's expense.

2

Phil C,

31/07/2008 09:03:21
And the scum who supplied Dewar with drugs walks around freely, looking for more sad victims.
3

decent one,

31/07/2008 10:02:11
No1
Do you really believe what you have written ?

The truth - Possibly released early.
TV and internet access inside.
Cheap and available drugs.
Totally ignored on release.
No rehabilitation.
Moved to an open prison near release date.
4

,

31/07/2008 10:25:23
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
5

sam the god,

31/07/2008 14:03:42
#4 canker

This where you and I differ I believe he should be swinging from a good bit of hemp but our PC orientated government sold us down the river by signing away the death penalty we can only hope he is dealt with properly in prison
6

,

31/07/2008 16:42:01
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
7

jimb4abobor2,

Edinburgh 12/08/2008 02:23:04
I am on the side of the mitchells and agree until the goverment or the justice system get there priorities right then no one is safe from the unknown ? to me he did not get what he deserves he should be locked up with bread and water for at least 30yrs and if human rights interfere then lock them up to we cant have people going round taking lives for nothin. The whole matter is down to resources and money the gov cant afford it and thats why the sentences are short to keep cost down and they hope they wont reoffend hmm well in the seventies they had detention & borstals and they were scary u didnt get phones,playstations or anything like that u were treaded unhumainly and it worked for about 65% - 75% and did no one no harm so lets get it right and stop this silly molly coddling and get the sentence for the crime after all u cant say to the court when ure caught for drunk driving or a speeding ticket i have problems and hope to get away with it they dont listen but this carry on about drugs and the like oh they are not right thats ashame lets get them help rather than jailafter all i'ts self inflicted where i'ts just a smoke or the hard stuff they start some where then they go on to fry there brains and start to mame and assault people and hope to get away with it. Dont think so if found guilty then we the parents should have a say on there sentence if not then limits should be set for the crime and cant be changed without a public vote on it.

 

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