Salford killer Stapleton to appeal life sentence

KIARAN STAPLETON is set to appeal his life sentence for murdering student Anuj Bidve at London’s Court of Appeal next week.

Self-styled ‘Psycho’ Stapleton was convicted in July of shooting the 23-year-old micro-electronics student in the head on Ordsall Lane on Boxing Day last year.

He received a life sentence, to serve a minimum of 30 years behind bars, and was advised he would only be released when he “no longer posed a danger to the public”.

Stapleton’s lack of remorse was widely condemned after appearing for trial at Manchester Crown Court in July, with the 21-year-old killer stating: “I love prison. Lock me up for 65 years,” and asking the jury from the witness box, “does this face look bothered”.

He will appear before the Court of Appeal on Wednesday October 17 where his legal team are expected to argue that his sentence should be reduced.

Detective Chief Superintendent Mary Doyle, who led the investigation, said: “Stapleton got a tattoo very soon after he killed Anuj which we believe may have been some sort of boast or badge of honour.

“If that is true, such a cold and brazen act tells its own story about what sort of man he is.”

The Court of Appeal judges are expected to reserve their ruling to a later date.

By Cassandra Ward