Whole-life sentences backed in Star reader poll
Whole-life sentences should remain for the most serious crimes, people in Shropshire said today.
In a Shropshire Star poll, 93 per cent said they believe whole-life jail terms are fair.
Just seven per cent agree with the ruling of European judges yesterday that those given whole-life sentences should be able to get their punishment reviewed.
The European Court of Human Rights has ruled the whole-life tariffs given to murderer Jeremy Bamber and two other killers breached their human rights.
The judges ruled by 16 to one there had to be a review of the sentence, although they said that didn't mean there was "any prospect of imminent release" for the men.
Bamber, who killed five members of his own family, brought the case to the court's upper chamber, along with serial killer Peter Moore and double murderer Douglas Vinter, after losing a previous appeal.
Prime Minister David Cameron said he "profoundly disagreed with the ruling", adding he was a "strong supporter of whole-life tariffs".
And today his view was backed by about 500 people voting in our online poll.
One reader, Colin Dodd, said: "Personally, I believe that anyone convicted of murder, beyond all doubt, should pay the ultimate price, but sadly this will never happen. But life should mean life."
Another, Tony Driver, added: "The perpetrators of the type of crimes that attract whole-life sentences have gone far beyond any consideration of fairness in their actions towards their victims."
A cousin of Jeremy Bamber, David Boutflour, today said that he does not believe that the convicted murderer should ever be released.
Bamber has always protested his innocence and claims his schizophrenic sister Sheila Caffell shot her family before turning the gun on herself.
Justice Secretary Chris Grayling said yesterday's ruling makes the case for curtailing the powers of the European Court of Human Rights.
