Friends of Krystyna Walton, the woman killed by Tony O'Connell, are outraged by his sentence.

O'Connell is to be given a three-year probation order, a decision described as "ridiculous" by Acomb residents who knew her.

This sense of injustice is shared by Ryedale MP John Greenway. And Crown Prosecutors are now considering challenging the sentence, a move welcomed by York MP Hugh Bayley.

We acknowledge that all the background details in this distressing case may have yet to emerge. But on the evidence made public so far, we must add our concern about the sentence to that of the residents and MPs.

Mrs Walton died a nasty, brutal death. O'Connell told police how he had grabbed her neck, knelt on her and punched her four times in a drunken rage.

Police found 17 bites on her body among 42 injuries. Forensic officers later came to the sickening conclusion that O'Connell had bitten her at least twice after she died.

Mrs Walton's life was violently cut short. Her family lost a loved one in appalling circumstances. And yet her killer is to walk free.

In passing sentence, Judge Mr Justice Hooper took into account O'Connell's disabilities. He is near-blind, and a diabetic epileptic. His condition undoubtedly made his seven and a half month stay in prison before the trial more difficult.

Even so, less than a year's imprisonment for such a vicious killing appears unduly lenient. For Mrs Walton's relatives, who will suffer for the rest of their lives, it must hardly seem punishment at all.

His sentence sits uncomfortably next to the nine months' imprisonment imposed on former police officer Stephen Upsall, on which we also report tonight. He was convicted of fabricating evidence, a serious offence deserving a serious penalty. But is the killing of Mrs Walton to be considered less serious?

O'Connell's sentence also raises questions about public protection. His deadly attack was not a one-off crime of passion. It was the tragic outcome of what was described in court as a sporadically violent drinking friendship between him and Mrs Walton.

After the trial, neighbours talked of his hostile and abusive outbursts. This is a man who appears barely in control of himself. O'Connell will be placed under the close supervision of experienced probation officers for three years. But they cannot watch him around the clock.

For the sake of justice and of public protection, crown prosecutors should proceed with a challenge to this ruling.

see NEWS 'Killing: Is this justice?'

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