A TEENAGER jailed for life for a murder in which a blameless youth was hunted down and kicked to death in an alleyway could be free in four years.
Benjamin O'Neill, now 25, was among a gang of three which chased and battered to death innocent passer-by James Camamile, cornering him in an alleyway "from which there was no means of escape".
O'Neill, of Clifton, was detained for life at Nottingham Crown Court in March 2006 after the jury found him guilty.
Yesterday, Mrs Justice Swift, who reviewed the case at London's High Court, confirmed a 12-year minimum term, meaning O'Neill will be eligible for parole in the summer of 2017.
James was described by the trial judge as a "well-liked young man who loved life" whose death took a "devastating" toll on his family. Convicted of murder alongside O'Neill were his brother Matthew O'Neill, now 27, and Marcuz Parkin, 23.
Mrs Justice Swift said James died after the three killers misinterpreted his behaviour as "hostile in some way" when they came across him in the street after midnight.
The sentencing judge found that Matthew O'Neill "led the chase" but that Benjamin O'Neill was also "in the forefront". And he ruled that, although Benjamin O'Neill may not have kicked James in the head, he played a "full part in the offence".
James's mobile phone was stolen by O'Neill's brother after the murder and "taunting" messages sent to one of his friends, said Mrs Justice Swift.
O'Neill was involved with local gangs at the time, said the judge, and had a "feared" reputation in the area.
There was no initial evidence of remorse on his part or of any efforts to rehabilitate himself.
However, Mrs Justice Swift noted a dramatic turnaround in O'Neill's conduct in custody in more recent times, including embracing education and taking an Open University course in a bid to put his past behind him.
His recent record in jail indicated "significantly-increased maturity since the commission of the offence".
The judge said she had taken into account moving letters sent by James's mother and close family – as well as several friends – who all "spoke eloquently of their feelings of profound loss".
It was clear his death had had a "devastating impact".
The judge said O'Neill's progress behind bars was "encouraging and greatly to his credit" – but insufficient to justify a reduction in his minimum jail term.
His good progress would, however, help him when his case comes up for consideration by the Parole Board, she added.
O'Neill will become eligible to apply for parole in the summer of 2017.
He will thereafter be freed if the Parole Board is convinced he poses no serious danger to the public.
However, after release, he will remain on perpetual licence in the community, subject to prison recall if he puts a foot wrong again.
