Murder case sentence may go to review
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE Attorney General, Sir Nicholas Lyell, is asking for a review of the five-year prison sentence passed on a female soldier for killing her lover's wife.
Sir Nicholas has applied to the Northern Ireland Court of Appeal for leave to have Susan Christie's jail sentence reviewed, his London office confirmed last night.
Christie, 23, a former member of the Ulster Defence Regiment, was jailed for the manslaughter of Penny McAllister, after a jury at Downpatrick Crown Court last month cleared her of murder.
But the sentence outraged Mrs McAllister's parents and her husband, Captain Duncan McAllister, 31, Christie's former lover, who felt it was too lenient.
With 50 per cent remission for good behaviour, Christie, from Lisburn, Co Antrim, could be released from Magheraberry prison in just over a year. Sir Nicholas took the decision after considering transcripts of the trial, the address to the jury by the trial judge, Lord Justice Kelly, and his comments as he passed sentence.
Christie claimed she could not remember attacking Mrs McAllister with a butcher's knife as they walked together at Drumkeeragh Forest, near Ballynahinch, Co Down, in March last year.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments