An “unduly lenient” sentence given to double killer Aaron Barley has been increased by the Court of Appeal.
On Thursday, three judges agreed with Solicitor General Robert Buckland that the 30-year minimum term imposed on Barley at Birmingham Crown Court in October was insufficient in “this most exceptional and grave case”.
Lord Justice Holroyde, Mrs Justice Whipple and Mr Justice Goose substituted it with a minimum term of 35 years, less time on remand – amounting to 34 years and 178 days before he can be considered for release on licence.
Aaron Barley jail sentence was increased to a minimum term of 35 years (West Midlands Police/PA)
Barley, 24, admitted the savage murders in March of Tracey Wilkinson, 50, and her 13-year-old son Pierce and the attempted murder of Peter Wilkinson, 47.
He was taken into their family home in Stourbridge, West Midlands, and given a fresh chance in life after Mrs Wilkinson spotted him sleeping rough outside a supermarket.
Peter Wilkinson leaves Birmingham Crown Court with his daughter Lydia (Ben Birchall/PA)
Mr Wilkinson and his daughter Lydia, who was away at university at the time of the attack, were in court in London while Barley watched from prison by video-link.