Murderer's appeal is turned down

Dean Cullen was sentenced to a minimum of 20 years in prison

A psychopathic killer jailed for beating a man to death, failed to have his minimum prison term cut on appeal.

Dean Cullen pleaded guilty to the murder of David Lucas, 31, at Norwich Crown Court in May, last year.

Mr Justice Calvert-Smith ordered Cullen of Lawson Road, Norwich, to serve a minimum prison term of 20 years.

Dismissing the appeal at London's Criminal Appeal Court, Lord Justice Hughes referred to Cullen's "psychopathic personality disorder".

Mr Lucas was killed when Cullen repeatedly stamped on his head, near to Norwich magistrates' court in July 2005.

His body was later thrown the River Wensum, in Norwich.

A post-mortem examination showed Mr Lucas had extensive head injuries.

David Lucas was found in a river with head injuries

Four other men were also sentenced in connection with the murder of Mr Lucas, who was robbed of £300.

Michael William Moss, 19, of Spencer Road, Norwich, was sentenced to three-and-a-half years after admitting to a charge of robbery.

Anthony Christopher Walker, 18, of Catton Grove Road, Norwich, was sentenced to three years for the same offence. Alan David McHugh, 34, of Shipfields, Norwich, was sentenced to four years after admitting to a charge of perverting the course of justice.