Barmaid killers told jail tariffs

A robber who killed a barmaid by stamping on her head during an armed raid at a pub in Suffolk five years ago must serve a minimum of 17 years.

Damien Duberry, then 21, was given two life sentences in 2001 after being convicted of murder and robbery.

His accomplice, Leon Sobers, then 23, was also given two life sentences for murder and robbery.

On Thursday, a High Court judge ruled Duberry must serve a minimum of 17 years and Sobers a minimum of 11 years.

'Pistol-whipped'

Janet Fleming died during the raid on the Harley's Pub in Ipswich in December 2000.

Mr Justice Moses told Duberry at the time: "You stamped upon her five times and then jumped upon her head, killing her.

"Such violence needs no words of description or condemnation from the court. Your acts speak for themselves."

Landlord Andrew Hull was treated for head injuries after being pistol-whipped during the robbery.

Duberry and Sobers, both from Ipswich, escaped with £2,845.

Sobers had not taken part in the attack on Ms Fleming, but the jury decided he shared responsibility for her death.

When the tariffs expire, the pair will only be released if the Parole Board considers they pose no threat to the public.