Killer wins cut in jail sentence

A MAN jailed more than a decade ago for the murder of a former associate he blamed for his girlfriend’s death could be free within months.

Shane Stuart Dickinson took revenge on 21-year-old Tommy Heath after the drugs death of his 22-year-old girlfriend Julie Aspin in late 2000. he was one of a group who went to Mr Heath’s home and subjected him to a fatal hammer attack.

Dickinson pleaded guilty to murder and in 2001 was sentenced to at least 15 years behind bars.

After a senior legal review, his minimum term has been cut to allow the chance of early parole.

Mr Justice Walker said Dickinson, 23 when he was jailed, had made “exceptional progress” in prison.

He went on to take educational courses, did charity work and became a trusted prisoner. He even participated in a project to visit schools to dissuade youngsters from crime.

“The reports of the therapy leader and the independent psychologist confirm that there have been real and substantial changes in him, progress which in my view is properly described as exceptional,” said the judge.

Dickinson’s minimum term was cut to 14 years, but the 184 days he was in custody on remand will count towards his eligibilty for parole in January - though this depends on the consideration of the Parole Board.