In 2000, Shane Steven Taylor (29), of Brunshaw Avenue, Burnley, pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court to murdering Ryan O'Riley. He was jailed for life with a mandatory tariff of 11 years.

He appealed after seven years in prison, but Mr Justice Roderick Evans, sitting at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, ordered Taylor must serve the minimum sentence before he can be considered for release.

The judge refused to lower the term, despite hearing Taylor has shown remorse and regularly lectures young offenders on avoiding a life of crime.

The court heard Taylor attacked Mr O'Riley in January 8th, 2000, in Browsholme Avenue, Burnley, kicking him up to 10 times, causing fatal bruising and swelling to his head and neck.

The defendant pleaded guilty on the basis Mr O'Riley had threatened his girlfriend on the day of the murder; had bullied him at school and alleged in December 1999, there was another incident in which Mr O'Riley threatened him.

Mr Justice Evans added a psychiatric report suggested Taylor, a labourer, may have reacted strongly after his girlfriend was threatened as his mother was a victim of domestic violence. But the judge said he had also taken into the account the fact Taylor had a previous conviction for wounding, after attacking a man with a screwdriver.

Given the time he spent on remand, the ruling means Taylor will be eligible for parole early in 2011, although he will only be released if he can persuade the Parole Board he is no longer a danger to the public.