I am starting a group to remember her.
this is absolutely outragous
Im a goth and Im tired of be discriminated against
poor Sophie and Robert
you go Sophie! For standing up what you believe in
and I admire her for defending her boyfriend
even though she new it wouldnt end well

Ashlynn, Graham, United states

This is discusting
i cant believe people would do something like this
So what if she was a goth ?
she didnt do anything wrong
R.ii.P Sophie
and i hope her family are ok
From yazmin 12

Yasmin, Bolton, England

What a sad and intolerant bunch we have become. I do hope that somehow those who are inclusive and caring will join together to remember this very special young lady and her friends and family tinorder o change our ridiculous attitudes and prejudices that could ultimately destroy our society.

Jane Stephenson, Malpas, Cheshire, UK

I aboustly miss Sophie well Spo as I knew her.

My apologies to all the family, friends and espically Rob.

R.I.P Sophie an angel never to be forgotton

Becky , Bacup,

My condolences and best wishes to the family at this time, this is such a sad and shocking case I sincerely hope that the legal system doesnt fail this family and gives these young yobs everything they deserve, there are few things more cowardly than what they did to Sophie.

Terry

Terry, London, UK

There are no words to describe what happened that night in the park. Its over half a year ago and I still cant get my head around how this could happen to such an in love couple displayed by Sophie defending Robert to the bitter end. The world has lost a special person who dressed, lived life as she wanted to. Sophie deserves to be remembered and we must never forget what she stood for. Its circumstances like this that I wish we had corporal punishment for those who dont deserve the gift of life and who contributed to someone having their boundless potential and life cut short. We must carry on the legacy of SOPHIE and all she stood for. My heart goes out to Sophie's Family and Rob and his Family. I hope the Judge on the 28th sentencing gives the maximum he can. It will not bring Sophie back but it will let us spread the word of what she stood for and open a new chapter in her legacy. x x x

Andreas, Manchester,

To Sophie’s Parents,

I really feed a sense of sadness at your loss and have been moved by Sophie’s courage to protect the true love of her life. The people who took Sophie’s life are cowards and have no consideration for human life. Sophie did not deserve this, her life taken cruelly before her time, she had so much to look forward to, a life of love, prosperity, success and the support of those around her, her family and friends, unfortunately it was not meant to be. How can people attack an innocent girl who was trying to protect her boyfriend? There are certain boundaries and rules that every man should apply and adhere to. It just makes my stomach turn to know that she had to endure this cowardly attack. I didn’t personally know Sophie or her Boyfriend , however I wish I was there as I would have done anything and everything to defend her against this vicious and brutal attack, even if it had compromised my own safety and life. I just hope and pray that you can find comfort in knowing that the nation is united behind you and as a society we should do everything to address this worrying decay of savageness and prejudice and racist violent attacks.

Shabir M, Manchester UK,

it's awful and to think that the people that killed her are the same age as me, I might have even went to nursey with them. It's shocking because I used to live in Bacup and the whole community is shocked by it all. It really shows how much hatred people have for others because they look different to them.

Suzanne, Lancashire,

I wish words could somehow comfort Sophie's parents but they have my sincere condolences and my respect for bringing up such a courageous, considerate and loving daughter.

As for the families of the guilty, maybe the grandparents will remember the wickedness of Brady and Hindley, and perhaps might be affected enough when they come to realise that their own families will forever be ranked in such company.

Diane , Manchester ,

I hope he has the harshest sentence and maybe the mother will experience the pain of being away from her child that her son has inflicted on Sophies mother. How can they even laugh about this. If I had a son who did that i would hand him in myself! Guess the humanity is dying..

J, leic, U.K.

Shame on so many on here who say "ooh Im afraid to say thats life in the UK now" and moan, moan and moan some more, then go on to give us their expert opinions on why it is so and what they might do about it. If you care enough to talk about it on here and you are so clever why dont you do something about it instead of locking yourself in a room reading news websites. Go and be a special constable, go and be a teacher, go and set up a youth club. Oh never mind just stay on here whining!

Bob, Dartford, UK

My heart felt condolences to all concerned.
All of these people concerned in the attack should be given harsh sentences.
These people need to be brought to account for their actions. I find it a great injustice to other human beings that this mother can laugh in the face of the police enquiry and she should be banged up for this. This woman gives motherhood a bad name, as for her son, a life was taken and therefore a life should be given. Whether that means "life" imprisonment or bringing back capital punishment this scum bag should not be allowed liberty again. Neither should his accomplices'.

Lorayne, Atherton, Manchester,

A couple of years ago i collated some information for a dissertation regarding behavior in subcultures and every single alturnative person interviewed had without exception beed physically attacked by what they described as "chavs". Several had scars from the attacks. This violent culture based on bullying should be stamped out now before anyone else dies. The causes are entrenched in the way the system treats and divides social classes, and the fact that many parents are too dysfunctional to rear children. And why are they dysfunctional? Because of their parents and the environment they were brought up in. Our society created these monsters and its about time we dealt with it.
The parents of all of the violent thugs involved in the attack should be held accountable. Bad parenting shouldnt be tolerated.
Rest in peace Sophie, this should never of happened.

Linda Walton, Plymouth, UK

unfortunately the boys who did this havent thrown their lives away because they will be released on good behaviour in 3 years time...
this is the most disturbing thing about this all
the fact that these idiots can do these things then recieve minimum punishment
i agree that all benefits should be taken away from the idiot mother of the murderer as she is just as much to blame and has a bigger part to play in this than her brain can actualy understand

my heart goes out to all the innocent pepople involved in this

darren, brighton,

Like most countries the criminals have more rights than the victims, Police have their authority reduced because bleeding heart do-gooders are to squeamish to complain until it happens to one of them.

David Burge, Cooroy, Australia Queensland

"He said that both Harris and his mother had laughed throughout police interviews and showed a “shocking level of disregard” for the consequences of his behaviour."

------

Some people should not be allowed to breed. This woman obviously has no idea how to bring up a child to be a decent human being, and as a result of that a young woman has died. Frankly, I can't wait until I've saved enough money to get away from this country and its droves of people who find violence to be an acceptable alternative to genuine social interaction. They either suffer from a lack of intelligence, a lack of soul, or a lack of both. I for one don't want to be around when these idiots grow up and their wave of even more violent, idiotic children hit the streets.

Dan X, Cardiff, Wales

What is happening to British society? It seems to me that the very fabric of a tolerant, respectful and hard working society has been ripped out over the past couple of decades by governmental policies that reward and promote individualism, greed and selfishness. Labour have been riding an economic boom, generating enormous increases in tax revenues, but have clearly FAILED to address the resulting imbalance between the haves & have nots and the huge disparity in wealth - which must surely be the root cause of this breakdown.

Nick, Brussels, Belgium

The death penalty, harsher prison sentences, withdrawing benefits. You can wish for any of these things but frankly they won't happen because the ruling classes won't bring them in. Why? because they are wealthy and privileged enough to shield themselves from animals like this yob and his family. If the ruling classes were forced walk the same streets as the rest of us and see the thugs and scum infesting our society at first hand they would take action immediately. But they don't and they won't.

Justin, London,

How can anyone not fail to despair when reading of this disgusting attack? and yet we know it will happen again, and again, until this weak government, led by even weaker men actually do what we , who put them in power want them to do and that is to make these animals pay for their crimes. The perpertrators must take the blame, but the parents must take even more of the blame and it is they who should be made accountable along with the animals they produced.

jeff stoddart, norwich, england

when are the parents of these animals going to be held to account?

tim, london,

Sirs

national service is not the answer.

A complete judicial review and sentences that reflect the serioness of the crime without the namby pamby do gooders claiming rights for the wrongdoer.
Lock them up and let the inncocent live our lives in peace and without fear.
These people are scum and have no right to live in a decent society nothing will change them

SM

SM, brighton, UK

This whole case is disgusting, if the death sentence was in the uk the scum that carried this out would deserve it.
RIP Sophie, and my thoughts go out to your family and friends.

Nick, newbury,

I admire Robert Maltby for saying that he will not change being a goth just because of shear ignorance and I hope that he, Sophie's family and friends can begin to rebuild their lives.

Society should abandon the parents of the killers and not pay any benefits to nor provide housing nor health care or any other basic right. They do not deserve anything from society except to be alienated. It is the fact we will continue to provide money and housing and that our public services will interact with these people that they do not learn that having no regard for society comes at a price.

I am Liberal and would like to point out that represents something other than being politically correct and opposing the death penalty. I believe in individual freedom as long as you coexist respectfully. Any decent human being will be appalled by this atrocity. I want to achieve a fair and tolerant society, however society has rules of conduct and if you don't abide them you should not be welcome in it.

Michael, Birmingham, United Kingdom

An eye for an eye here I'm afraid . And don't bother quoting Gandhi , we all know . But some people deserve to go blind .

Benzo, Nr Chelmsford,

Will you all , including the police, please stop referring to these thugs as animals.

These people and their like are human beings and they acted like human beings not animals. An animal will not deliberately kill another of its species just because its coat is a different colour.

These people should be locked up for the rest of their lives and their parents should be also held responsible and punished accordingly.

My heart goes out to the family of the young innocent girl.

W Dunseith, Contré, France

Nice one Detective Superintendent Mick Gradwell for labouring the point that both Harris AND HIS MOTHER had LAUGHED throughout his interviews!.

As a society we need to show people with similar attitudes that what may impress, the (very) small group that they mix with, the majority of us are just appalled!.

For the first time in 43 years I am ashamed to come from Lancashire.

Alex, Bedford,

I used to argue for understanding but now I think that people who think it is fun to dish out violence upon other people should be prepared to have exactly the same thing given back to them. Not a bit more, not a bit less.

I recently found crime statistics for Europe - but only for 2001. I compared Britain (pop. 62 million) with Germany (pop. 82 million). The number of murders per year were roughly similar - about 880. The number of violent crimes, however, was 4.5 times higher in the UK than in Germany. Amazing.

Tina, Dusseldorf, Germany

A beautiful girl is slain for daring to be different for choosing a life quite special and unique .....the feral braying thugs that did such a horrendous thing should serve a whole life term for this sickening crime. At the very least there should be no licence or release unless contrition and abject remorse is shown......after a minimum term of thirty years. Unless such brutal acts are seen to be severely punished there is a 'green' light indicating to the next feckless waster that we are lax and excessively liberal on crime

lisaxian, london, england

This is appalling. As others here have said already, we know their penalty will be insufficient, and probably fall far short of what most of us would like to see happen.

'Tough on crime'? I think this government has done enough damage to this country - their wet attitude towards crime fuels this kind of casual thuggery. Their recent tax rise on alcohol - allegedly to curb teenage drinking - will do nothing to prevent this either. More likely it will encourage alcohol-fuelled muggings and theft.

Oliver, Sheffield,

God bless Sophie. Rest in peace.
May those responsible rot in hell.

Jane, Northampton, UK

bring in the death penalty . thats the solution.
Or castrate these animals.

kuttu, dundee, angus

This case has evoked more emotion in myself than any other I can think of, having attended Rob's school and being just two years his junior. The nature of the act- unprovoked, thoughtless, horrific and violent is one I find almost impossible to reconcile with human nature or behaviour. The case goes to the very heart of what is wrong with a greater-than-reported section of modern British society. That someone would kill simply to 'show off' simply disgusts me. I fear for my children growing up in this country. I fear for our society in general. Justice, for this type of crime, I feel can never be done. I can only hope that the youths who committed such an unforgivable act show remorse when they are finally freed.

Rest in Peace Sophie, my wishes go to your family and to Rob.

Rob Whitworth, Whitworth, England

This is absolutely tragic. What sort of boy or man thinks it's ok to kick a young woman to death because he didn't like how she was dressed? And laughed about it afterwards? How did he turn out like that, and how will he ever be a functioning member of society / the human race? Rest in peace, Sophie.

Dee,, Bath,

all my love to the two family's, i hope they get the justice they deserve and that they can eventually find peace.

Britain now has a new class, upper class, middle class, working class and now a very disturbing 'underclass'. with no care, remorse or respect. something that started under the pc conservative government in the '80's, where caning school children was stopped.

the only way now for this country to go is to bring back national service, but its going to take generations to cure! we all saw it coming 25 years ago!

john, sheffield, england

i am a sixteen year old living in the uk i have long hair and mainly wear black. during my attendance of high school it was not uncommon for me to be seen running from a large group of people, it was difficult for everybody that chose an alternative lifestlye or even just a slightly different dress sense.
this countrys intolerance disgusts me
and this countrys very relaxed view on crime disgusts me
the legal system of this country is no more than a pathetic joke its almost as though this country promotes this kind of behavior.

i hope the responsible get sent to a scottish prison because up here even the lowest forms of life hate woman beaters and killers.

rest in peace sophie

conor christie, kelty, scotland

I have an idea, it may seem extreme but I think in these terrible circumstances it might warrent some merit. I propose the temporary sterilisation of both all males and females upon birth in this country. A parental license should be obtained in order to have children. The criteria should not be weighted upon earnings but an extensive psychological and social examination of both prospective parents, bringing a child into this world is not a decision that should be left to the ignorant or unstable. Parental responsibility is of critical importance. My theory is unpopular even with me but it would contribute toward resolving a worsening and as this case proves, tragic state of affairs.

J. Shephard, Leicester, UK

This is an extremely terrible incident and I feel very sorry for Sophie who surely was a nice girl.
Like many others I also call for a strict penalty. This cannot prevent similiar cases but it may give a feeling of justice for her family and friends and for all people who are touched about this.

Juergen T., Stuttgart, Germany

To the people who think that this government is 'lax on crime' you really don't know what you are talking about. If you did some research you would actually find that sentencing has actually got a lot tougher, especially for murder. In murders where offenders might have recieved a minimum term of 15 years pre the Criminal Justice Act 2003 under the current regime they might get a minimum term of 30 years.

Marie, London,

Is there any government that will save us from these out of control council estate peasants?

Per, Rugby, UK

And how long are they going to get?

I guess it's probably too much of a long shot to hope 'life' means life on this one...

Sickening.

Jon, Epsom, Surrey

Welcome to UK 2008.
Over years, in a fog of PC correctness, this country has sleep walked into a nightmare.
A section of today’s youth has degenerated into animal behaviour. A vicious dog pack mentality, with obviously sociopath tendencies.
PC correctness has removed any form of discipline or censorship from their upbringing. It has actively encouraged a decline in young society.
They are devoid of social conscience and any understanding of actions and consequences. All backed by a collapsed family and work ethic. A generation of social parasites breeding further generations, without use or worth.
Until the effects of people’s actions are rigorously demonstrated by the law on those that transgress there will be no improvement.
These people squandered their own lives and then turned to squander other lives.
They should be removed from society completely. Tough medicine for a tough disease.

Grant, London,

It seem to be of no coincidence that the attitudes shown by the mothers of the accused and of the victim are at either end of the spectrum in terms of responsibility and maturity.

A despicable crime perpetrated by children who appear to have been raised with no morals or respect for others. I hope that their punishment befits the crime (is that ever possible??) not only for the accused, but perhaps it's time we took a harder look at parental accountability?

MH, Weybridge, Surrey

I wish this despicable person were in the US of A; especially the state of Texas. He would be guaranteed at least a few hundred years in prison!

Sidhu, NY, USA

Situations like these surely warrant the harshest of punishments, although I'm sure that much like the killers of James Bulger (and any number of other murderers you care to mention) these people will be released after a pathetically short sentence thanks to their "good behaviour" in prison.

Perhaps if the government stopped imprisoning people for non-payment of council tax, for example, our prisons would not be so overcrowded and thugs like these could be locked away for the rest of their lives: the only fair punishment for someone who thinks it is OK to rob an innocent girl of her's. I'm also deeply saddened that the parents of the killers in this case and others can be allowed to walk free after failing to supervise their morally bankrupt offspring.

Sean, Liverpool,

I'm glad that this thug has been found guilty, but I think that the public needs to call for strong sentences against the other youths that were also involved in this attack. I've been verbally and physically attacked for dressing differently, and I don't see any reason why these people shouldn't be punished severely for their sadistic actions.

Anon, Blackburn, England

The streets of Britain are no longer safe. I am more than happy to pay the incresed council tax for policing PROVIDING we see results on the streets.

When is the Government going to take a stance against the demise of our society.

Bill Morrison, Crewe, Cheshire

No doubt he'll be out within 10 years, thanks to our current Governments soft touch & over-crowed prisons.

John Edwards, Hornchurch, Essex

Bring back the death penalty, perhaps that might serve as a deterrent to this sort of scum?

dmp, denver, colorado

Its about time the law started to protect ordinary decent people from the type of scum that commited this murder. I would wager any amount of money that the minimum tarrif set by the
judge will be less than what a member of the general public would set. The rest of the gang should also be named as should anybody over the age of 14 commiting a serious violent offence, law makers listen to what the public want.
Make the streets safe again for decent people.

Frank Loughran, STOCKTON ON TEES,

Lets see what the sentance is: 2 yrs jail and out in 8 months, community service, 6 months in a youth offender institute, 8 months in an open prison.....or some ridiculously leniant term. I cant see anything less than 20 years, no parole.

AD, Reading, UK

Horrific that these kids have no real understanding of whats right and wrong in society. They just dont care becuase all around them, nobody cares about them or shows them any guidence these days.

Teacher Joe, London, UK

no doubt light sentences will be passed - no more than about 15 years each.

We are still living in Blairs Britian
'Lax on crime, and lax on the causes of crime'

R .Vallender, Gloucester,

Bet this cowardly beast lives on some council estate with his benefit sucking single mother whose own disregard for authority is evident in her sons appauling behaviour. Unfortunately, these places are breeding grounds for these vermin. You only have to walk through some of these estates to see the type of person and their degenrate off-spring effing and blinding and that's just the mothers! I do generalise as I am sure J K Rowling would argue differently. If the Police, or like minded resonsible citizens of this country were able to give these youths a good slapping then none of this would be happening as the fear of getting such a response would hopefully, deter some. Nodoubt once they get sentenced some wet liberal will see they get a nice cell, colour TV, feed, etc. Perhaps, the mother will move as well as a cell will proberbly be cleaner that the environment that she is currently living in particuarly, as she won't have to do it!

My heart goes out to the parents of Sophie.

James, Chelsea, UK

I note that the murderer is reported as having laughed at the time of the murder and in subsequent police interviews.

We face a new phenomena of young people who kill for no more than their own amusement, encouraged by the spinelessness of our increasingly pathetic justice system.

I have always opposed the death penalty, but by God, I am very close to changing my mind.

Capital punishment would not be a necessity if the police and courts asserted forceful authority over the violent underclass in our society and dealt effectively with such malicious thugs.

dan, London, UK

I very much doubt you'll print this, but this viewpoint is true of the majority of the UK's tax payers.

Its a shame my taxes have to keep these two going while in jail and then for their continued benefits, when they get let out after five years.
Absolutely sure they're guilty ? There's an easy and cheap solution that would have a dramatic effect on this culture since in the UK in 2008, we're not known for our recognition of matyrdom.

Luke Moorhead, Birkenhead, UK

For such an unprovoked,cowardly and vicious attack that took the life of a defenceless young woman I would either apply the death sentence or award life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. If any 'liberals' reading this could come up with a better sentence that would send out a clear message to other would be murderers I would be interested to hear it.

Ray Bowers, Maxxlesfield, England

Should have hung the scum-bag. Sub-human dirt like that should be exterminated

Peter Jones, Chelmsford, UK

Awarding £250 to these kids is ricidulous. They should be proud to have done what they did.

Its time that the UK courts got tougher on youth crime. These kids have murdered one and ruined the life of another and they were previously convicted of a similar crime.

Its seemingly impossible to know what to do, but national service for 16+ seems like a good answer to me. Service life can teach many more things than simply discipline. Self-respect, respect for others, compassion, teamwork, as well as many skills. I've never been in the services myself, but I'm sure they would be a better place than a detention centre, jail or on the streets.

And we should nationalize off licences too. Its far too easy for kids to get hold of alcohol. Offlicence, clubs and bars are now owned by large national companies who view alcohol sales on a P&L account. More is better in their opinion, but its devastating British society.

Mike Gow, Beijing, China

The young thugs should, at the very least. be incarcerated for life. There should be no consideration at all for a ' Tariff ' Put these nasty little creatures in a very unpleaseant place for the rest of their natural days.

I am also of the opinion that it is time to re instate the death penalty for crimes such as this where there is proof beyond doubt who the murderers are - and I believe that the majority of the population would agree - why not have a referendum and follow the wishes of the majority. The liberal do gooders have had their day and their policies just are not working.

We have to find a way to clean the streets and we need a strong enough deterent to make people understand that this type of behaviour is not tolerable.

I enjoy a drink and a good time but the extent of my "showing off" does not extend to murdering innocent, young people going about their business.

Don't blame it on the lack of facilities either - yobs like this wouldn't respect them or use them

Simon R, Cheltenham, Glos

"He said that both Harris and his mother had laughed throughout police interviews and showed a “shocking level of disregard” for the consequences of his behaviour."

Bang her up as well. Surely a law can be found, if she found violent murder amusing?

What the hell is wrong with these people?

Condolences to all concerned.

Joe, Manchester,

Crazy

And unless our society starts coming up with some solutions there's going to be more sensless murder of innocent people.

What the hell gives kids the idea they can kill people and get away with it - or is jail a better option than their present situation?

Once again - booze is a factor - the boys here were too young to be named initially but not too young to get their hands on alcohol.

Labour - you reap what you sow. Start planting some seeds before more people are murdered

David, Edinburgh,

Its not comulsory to drink alcohol and those that commit murder or death on the road because they were drunk ARE responsible. In fact it could be seen as premeditated. As I say you don't have to drink so if you do then beware of the consequences. If you kill someone your going to do time and ruin your life and someone elses - be warned.
Society is to blame too for encouraging drink. There is no good in it - except for the brewers.

Jake, Worthing,

Knowing the British justice system he will get 10 years and will be out in 5.

Life should mean life for a crime like this.

James Robertson, Aberdeen, Scotland

The very fact that Harriss & his mother laughed during the interview tells the real story. They were not drunk then. There really are people who should never be allowed to procreate. I am against the free availability of alcohol , but it cannot be blamed for everything. Some people are just evil.

Chas, Nottingham,

If the response to this vile deed is hesitant or weak in any way, the government will have no alternative but to allow the carrying of firearms for self protection purposes against these mindless thugs. We are stumbling into anarchy. Deepest condolences to the grieving family and friends. It is impossible to know your grief.

Jim O'Sullivan, Sligo, Ireland

All of those involved deserve to be locked up for good. Period.
No if's , no but's and definatley no early release of any kind! Until this country starts standing up for the decent people who live here and want to do so peacefully then things will only continue to get worse.
I for one wont be staying in this gutless place we call home for much longer at this rate.

Rob, Sheffield,

Such acts of mindless violence by drunken gangs of teenagers was a huge contributing factor in my decison to bring up my baby in Ireland. At least one can stand out from the crowd here without fear of being killed for doing so! Really what is to become of England at all? People are too afraid to tackle this issue and it needs addressing now!

Norann, Galway, Ireland

Now that these hooligans has been found guity, the court must exercise its powers and give these misfits the maximum sentence. society must be rig of this garbage. Too many incidents of this type is occuring throughout the country, homes are losing fathers, moms, sisters and brothers. This cannot, must not continue to happen, the law must do what is right to protect the innocent, and stop giving out minimal sentences to these thugs.

WINSTON IFILL, Chepstow, Wales

He's 15, drunk and has now thrown his life away because of it, does not excuse him for what he has done. It is justice served to the Lancaster Family, just because she was 'different'. There is no reason why Harris and Herbert should not serve life for what they have done.

Ms Pointon, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

Time to send a message me-thinks......

Fredi, Battersea,