Sophie Lancaster murderer to be freed from jail 15 years after horrific attack that killed her - because he's 'increased in maturity'

One of the two murderers who killed Sophie Lancaster is set to be released from prison, 15 years after he launched an horrific attack on her. The parole board has today (March 16) decided that one of Sophie's killers can be released on licence.

Sophie and her boyfriend, Robert Maltby, were attacked at Stubbylee Park in Bacup on August 11, 2007. The couple were beaten so badly that when paramedics arrived they could not tell if they were male or female.

The 20-year-old woman was placed on a life-support machine and bore the shape of a footprint on her head. She died from her injuries in hospital almost two weeks later, on August 24.

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The parole board has now decided that Ryan Herbert, who was 16 at the time, can be released on licence. The board found he had made "significant changes to his life which reflected his remorse, his insight and increased maturity".

Herbert was 16 when he was handed a life sentence after admitting to murdering the 20-year-old. Sophie died from her injuries after being viciously beaten as she cradled Robert Maltby’s head in her lap in 2007.

He also pleaded guilty to assault causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Mr Maltby. Herbert was given a minimum term of 16 years and three months – later reduced to 15-and-a-half years on appeal.

In 2020, Herbert, of Bacup, Lancashire, had his tariff cut to 14-and-a-half years. At the time, a High Court judge concluded he had made “exceptional progress” in jail.

“After considering the circumstances of his offending and examining the evidence for the progress made while in custody, the panel was satisfied that Mr Herbert was suitable for release,” a