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US Man Alvin Kennard Jailed For Life For Stealing £41 To Walk Free After 36 Years

Alvin Kennard, 58, from Alabama, has had his jail sentence reduced to time served.
Press Association
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A man who has served 36 years of a life sentence for stealing just $50.75 (£41) is to walk free in Alabama.

Alvin Kennard, 58, was jailed in 1983 under Alabama’s Habitual Felony Offender Act, a controversial “three strikes” law enacted in the 70s whereby repeat offenders automatically received harsh sentences regardless of the severity of their crime.

He was previously charged with burglary and grand larceny, making him eligible to be sentenced under the act, the Press Association reports.

I just witnessed the most extraordinary moment. Judge David Carpenter in Bessemer, AL has resentenced Alvin Kennard to time served after he got life without parole for robbing a bakery of $50 in 1983. He is now 58 & was 22 when he committed the robbery. pic.twitter.com/CYeWsnHmVG

— Beth Shelburne (@bshelburne) August 28, 2019

His lawyer Carla Crowder argued that he would have received a 20-year maximum sentence under new guidelines.

She said Kennard plans to live with his family after his release and work in carpentry.

The courtroom was full of Alvin’s family who wept with joy when the Judge announced his decision. Here they are outside court. pic.twitter.com/1BeiELdILf

— Beth Shelburne (@bshelburne) August 28, 2019
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