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Stone to serve at least 25 years Stone to serve at least 25 years
(30 minutes later)
The man who bludgeoned Lin and Megan Russell to death in Kent in 1996 must stay in prison for at least 25 years before being considered for parole. The man who bludgeoned Lin and Megan Russell to death in Kent in 1996 must spend at least 25 years in prison before being considered for parole.
Michael Stone was given three life sentences in 2001 for the murders, and the attempted murder of Josie Russell. Michael Stone, 46, was given three life sentences in 2001 for the murders, and the attempted murder of Josie Russell.
The minimum jail term he must serve was set by a judge at the High Court.The minimum jail term he must serve was set by a judge at the High Court.
Stone has twice been convicted of the hammer murders of Dr Russell and her six-year-old daughter, Megan, who were killed in a country lane. Mr Justice Royce said he felt a "whole life" tariff was appropriate, but 25 years was the longest he was "legally entitled" to impose.
They were walking home from a swimming gala on 10 July when they were attacked in Chillenden. He described the hammer killings in Chillenden, near Canterbury, 10 years ago as "truly appalling offences".
Nine-year-old Josie survived and now lives in north Wales with her father, Shaun Russell. Dr Russell, 45, and her daughters Megan, six, and Josie, who was aged nine at the time, were attacked in a country lane on 10 July, 1996, as they returned home from a swimming gala.
Stone was originally found guilty in 1998, but appeal judges quashed his convictions and a retrial was ordered. Stone murdered Lin and Megan Russell with a hammer
He was convicted again in 2001. Josie survived and now lives in north Wales with her father, Shaun Russell.
Stone was originally convicted in 1998 of two murder charges and one of attempted murder.
Appeal judges quashed his convictions and a retrial was ordered, but he was found guilty in 2001 and had three life sentences re-imposed.
Stone has always protested his innocence, but a second appeal was rejected in 2005.Stone has always protested his innocence, but a second appeal was rejected in 2005.
Mr Justice Royce said on Friday: "It is of particular importance in this case that the public understands that the setting of the minimum term does not mean that the defendant will be released once that term is served.
"His case will have to be considered by the Parole Board and it is if, and only if, the Parole Board concludes that it is safe for him to be released that he will be."
The judge said a period that Stone spent in custody on remand would be deducted from the 25-year tariff.