Newlove killer launches appeal bid

Adam Swellings, 19, of Crewe, was locked up for life in February with a recommendation he serve a minimum of 17 years.

The 47-year-old's murder sparked outrage and a national debate about Britain's yob culture.

A spokeswoman for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said on Saturday: "We can confirm that we have received the papers and an appeal has been lodged against his conviction and sentence."

The CPS spokeswoman could not confirm if any of the other teenagers convicted for the killing had also appealed against their sentences.

In February Swellings' solicitor Patrick Heald said the 17-year term had gone beyond parliament's recommendation of 15 years for similar crimes. Mr Heald described the minimum tariff as "robust".

Swellings was convicted at Chester Crown Court in January this year along with Stephen Sorton, 17, of Warrington, who was locked up for a minimum of 15 years, and Jordan Cunliffe, 16, formerly of Warrington, who was sentenced to a minimum of 12 years.

Mr Newlove, 47, a salesman with a plastics company, left his home in Warrington, Cheshire, on August 10 last year to remonstrate with a group who had damaged his wife's car.

He was kicked "like a football" in front of his terrified wife and daughters, the court was told.

Mr Newlove, who had previously beaten stomach cancer, suffered massive head injuries and died two days later in hospital.