Boys who killed mother given release date

A teenager who helped his brother and father murder his mother is likely to be released from custody in just five-and-a-half years, it was revealed yesterday.

John Howells, 16, was convicted of murdering his domineering mother, Evelyn, at Leeds Crown Court in February. His brother, Glenn, 17, and father David, 48, were also convicted of the murder at their home in Huddersfield, in August 1995.

The boys, who bludgeoned their mother to death with a hammer when they were just 14 and 15, were given indefinite terms in custody by Mr Justice Alliot. He sentenced their father to life for the "appalling crime". But John's solicitor, Gordon Perfitt, revealed the Lord Chief Justice had recommended to the Home Secretary that John serve seven years and Glenn 10. Their father, who the judge said was the instigator of the crime, was not thought to have received his recommendation. All three have already served 18 months in custody, which will be knocked off the final recommendation if it is confirmed by the Home Secretary.