Ryan Herbert

Ryan Herbert is a British murderer who, in 2008 when he was 16 years old, killed 20-year old Sophia Lancaster in Lancashire because she looked like a "goth". He received a life sentence with a minimum of 15 years served, which was reduced to 14 years for good behavior on Herbert's part in 2020.

Herbert's motive for committing the crime is unknown, but it is possible that it was a hate crime against the goth subculture.

Background
Little is known about Herbert's life before the murder occurred.

The day of the attack, Herbert and a gang of friends happened upon Lancaster and her boyfriend, 21-year old Robert Maltby in Stubbylee Park in Bacup and attacked them without provocation simply because they were there and were dressed liked Goths. Lancaster attempted to shield her boyfriend from the attackers but this ultimately resulted in her getting the brunt of the attack, being beaten and kicked to death. In the immediate aftermath, Herbert showed no remorse and even seemed proud of what he'd done.

He was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 16 years served, which was later reduced to 15 via appeal.

While in prison, there were several instances of Herbert attacking nurses.

In 2020, Herbert has his minimum sentence reduced by 1 year due to having made "good behavioral progress" in prison. According to Judge William Davis, professionals at HMP Warren Hill, Suffolk, where Herbert has been since May 2017, state that he has significantly improved.

He said Herbert has taken on a mentoring role, has designed and delivered new sessions as part of the course, and was described in the letter as "one of the most reliable, sensitive and conscientious students" on the programme.

The judge said: "The way in which Herbert has developed since his arrival at HMP Warren Hill some two-and-a-half years ago does amount to exceptional progress.

"The way in which he is described by the senior staff at that establishment goes significantly beyond what would be expected of any inmate making good progress."

Herbert will be eligible for parole in February 2022.