A TEENAGER who admitted killing her mum's boyfriend has walked free from court a second time, despite breaching the conditions of her sentence.
Sophie Holbrook, 17, formerly of Royds Street, Accrington, was given a three-year community rehabilitation order in December for the manslaughter of Ken Embley, but was warned by a judge that she faced a custodial sentence if she failed to comply with the conditions.
However, at Preston Crown Court yesterday Judge Anthony Russell, QC, decided not to take any action against her after she admitted breaching the order a decision which has angered Mr Embley's family.
His mum, Marion, shouted out in court: "What does she have to do before you lock her away?"
Speaking after the hearing, a distraught Mrs Embley, of Charter Street, Accrington, said: "I am absolutely disgusted.
"The judge said last time that she would be facing a lengthy prison sentence if she broke any of the conditions, but all she has got is a slap on the wrist.
"She is being allowed to get away with it again."
The court heard that Holbrook, who as part of the order has been living at an address outside the area, committed the breach when she returned to her mother's home in Accrington.
She agreed to go back and has now been found somewhere else to live, still outside the area.
Judge Russell, QC, said: "I will take no further action in relation to your breach, but you must understand that the fact that you have been brought before the court indicates the seriousness of it.
"Otherwise you have been responding very well and that is to your credit. The court is pleased to see that has happened."
But he added: "If you are brought back before the court again, the chances are you would not be dealt with in this way and steps will taken towards punishing you."
Mr Embley, 34, of Charter Street, died from a single stab wound to the neck, inflicted with a kitchen knife after he invaded the "sanctuary" of her bedroom, in January last year.
Holbrook was said to have been suffering from an "adjustment disorder" an abnormal and excessive reaction to stressful events at the time of the stabbing, which the judge, Mr Justice Holland, said had "substantially impaired her responsibility in the act of killing".
He took what he described as an "exceptional" course of action in not jailing her.
Mr Embley's family labelled the justice system a "farce" and earlier this year launched a petition against the sentence handed to the teenager.
Mrs Embley today said she would continue that campaign.
She said: "I am going to keep fighting I want Tony Blair to tell me how this can be justice."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article