Convicted Gang murderer can walk in just 10year

Diigo

A CONVICTED killer could walk free less then 10 years after being jailed for life for the brutal gang murder of a churchgoer. Stephen Musoke, then 19, and his twisted pals went in search of Samuel Mugalu armed with a crowbar, baseball bat, knife and sword.

They stormed his home in Reaston Street, New Cross - hacking him to death as bloody vengeance over a petty row involving a girl.

Detectives never established who inflicted the fatal blow, but Musoke was one of four men convicted of murder and jailed for life over the killing in February 1997.

But he could walk free early next year after a top judge ruled he will be eligible for release after serving just 10 years.

Reviewing the case at London's High Court, Mr Justice Langstaff took into account Musoke's youth and the fact it had never been proved he "wielded the deadly weapon".

Musoke, who had a metal bar with him during the attack, also argued that Mr Mugalu's death had been "caused, at least partly, by the failure of the ambulance crew to render appropriate treatment".

It was reported at the time that a paramedic dismissed the injuries as non-life-threatening and refused to treat the dying man.

Tuesday's hearing was also told Musoke had made good progress in custody, gaining qualifications in communication skills despite hearing difficulties which had left him all but illiterate and innumerate.

The ruling means Musoke, taking into account time spent on parole, can now ask the Parole Board to release him early next year.

Setting the killer's tariff, Mr Justice Langstaff said "anything less than 10 years cannot be justified".

Once Musoke has those 10 years, he will only be freed if he can persuade the parole board he poses no danger to the public.

The killer, of Shrublands Avenue, Shirley, Croydon, will also remain on licence for life, meaning he can be sent back to jail if he puts a foot wrong.

A Home Office spokeswoman said the starting point for a murder sentence was 15 years, which could be increased with aggravating features or lowered in mitigating circumstances.

Diigo