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13:06 GMT, Friday, 16 May 2008 14:06 UK

Killer teenagers jailed for life

Darryll Bennett, Nicholas Garland, Richard McNamara and Shane Liddy (Clockwise from top left)

Four teenagers who kicked and stamped to death a cyclist in Bedfordshire have been jailed for life.

Stephen Green, 55, from Luton, was attacked in an underpass by a gang as he cycled home last May, and died in hospital nine days later.

Darryll Bennett, 18, Richard McNamara, 19, Nicholas Garland, 18, and Shane Liddy, 19, all from Luton, were convicted of murder last month.

They were given minimum sentences of between 12 and 19 years.

Bennett, said to be the ring-leader, was given a minimum term of 19 years at Luton Crown Court on Friday.

He is currently serving a three-year sentence for two robberies and a theft for which he was on bail when he killed Mr Green, a former soldier.

"Despicable, self indulgent cowardice seems to fit your behaviour. You were all out of control"
Judge Bevan

McNamara was sentenced to a minimum of 15 years, Garland a minimum of 12 years and Liddy a minimum of 16 years in jail.

The court was told that the gang had been drinking brandy and strong beer and smoking cannabis before attacking Mr Green, of Ackworth Crescent, Luton.

At court last month, Bennett, of Eighth Avenue; McNamara, of Butely Road; Garland, of Bradley Road and Liddy, of Brickley Road, all of Luton, pleaded not guilty to murder.

Bennett, McNamara and Garland pleaded guilty to the alternative charge of manslaughter, and also admitted conspiracy to rob.

Stephen Green

Judge John Bevan QC told them: "You behaved as a pack that night for entertainment. I don't think animals behave in such a way.

"Despicable, self indulgent cowardice seems to fit your behaviour. You were all out of control."

Mr Green's brother Richard said: "He cycled because he loved nature and animals and was doing his bit for the planet.

"He saw the best in everyone and didn't have a bad word to say about anything or anyone.

"It is terrible what these people have done. They have devastated our family."



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Related to this story:
Four kicked to death ex-soldier (18 Apr 08 |  Beds/Bucks/Herts )
Cyclist died in robbery attempt (14 Apr 08 |  Beds/Bucks/Herts )
Murder accused 'sobbed' on arrest (08 Apr 08 |  Beds/Bucks/Herts )
Four deny cyclist murder charge (02 Apr 08 |  Beds/Bucks/Herts )

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