Family of murdered Telford teen Georgia welcome whole life sentence ruling
The father of murdered teenager Georgia Williams today welcomed the decision that whole life sentences are to continue.
Yesterday, the Court of Appeal ruled that it was right for those committing the "most heinous crimes" to spend the rest of their lives in jail.
Jamie Reynolds, 23, is currently serving a whole life sentence for 17-year-old Georgia's murder.
Steve Williams, Georgia's father, welcomed the news that her killer would stay behind bars for the rest of his life.
He said: "We are obviously glad about the news – it's nothing less than anybody who has done that sort of vile thing short expect.
"If people are going to kill just for selfish gratification they should serve their whole life in prison."
Reynolds, of Avondale Road, Wellington, was told he had the potential to be a serial killer when he was sentenced last month for the murder of 17-year-old Georgia.
The court heard Georgia, a former head girl at Ercall Wood Technology College, was a friend but he killed her at his home in a meticulously planned attack.
The European Court had previously claimed that whole life sentences went against the European Convention on Human Rights.
But yesterday, the Lord Chief Justice Lord Thomas said that the sentences were "wholly compatable" with European Laws.
He said: "Judges should therefore continue as they have done to impose whole-life orders in those rare and exceptional cases which fall within the statutory scheme."
The decision was made by a panel of five judges, headed by Lord Thomas
Previously, Reynolds' legal team have said they will make no appeal against his sentence.
Meanwhile, Powys County Councillor Michael Williams, today called the decision "absolutely right and proper."
Mr Williams was one of hundreds of volunteers who helped comb the countryside for five-year-old April Jones after she disappeared.
Her killer, Mark Bridger was later jailed for a full-life term for her murder in Machynlleth.
He said: "People who have committed such atrocious acts which have caused them to be given a whole life sentence should not be given any thing less. I am absolutely delighted and I hope that is where it ends. I cannot think of one of my constituents who might think any other way."
Jamie Reynolds, who killed 17-year-old Georgia Williams in Telford, will also die in jail. he has already indicated he will not appeal his sentence.
Fewer than 50 other criminals in the UK have been handed sentences which mean they must spend the rest of their lives behind bars. Others serving whole-life terms include Moors Murderer Ian Brady, who tortured and murdered children along with accomplice Myra Hindley. All but five of the 49 prisoners handed whole-life sentences are in prisons rather than hospitals.
