British tourist's killer sees life sentence reduced in Florida prison

A man who murdered a British tourist in Florida 20 years ago has had his life sentence reduced - because it was ruled unconstitutional.

Gary Colley, from West Yorkshire, was shot dead in a botched robbery near Monticello, Tallahassee, on 14 September 1993.

He was sleeping in a lay-by in his hire car while on holiday with his fiancée Margaret Jagger, when they were set upon by four youths.

Aundra Akins, who was 14 at the time, was jailed for 27 years for second-degree murder in a plea deal, and given a life sentence for the attempted murder of Ms Jagger, who survived the attack.

The life sentence was overturned last November after an appeals court cited the US Supreme Court decision that juveniles cannot be life without parole for non-homicide crimes, reports the Daily Telegraph.

On Friday, Akins was given a new 40-year sentence for the attempted murder of Margaret Jagger.

He could be released in 12 years based on time already served and good behaviour.

According to Sky News, Circuit Judge Karen Gievers heard testimony from family members about how he had matured in prison, even getting his high school equivalency diploma.

The BBC reports that Akins told the court: "I'm not the kid I was once before, I'm a grown man, and I want to make a difference and I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me."

Ms Jagger returned to Monticello for Friday's re-sentencing, which took place a day before the 20th anniversary of the assault.

Acccording to the BBC and Sky News, she said: "I personally think it's quite hard but, hopefully, Aundra has turned a corner and will be able to make some life, and will be able to come out in about 12 years with good behaviour.

"So, hopefully, then he can keep out of trouble in prison and have another life ahead of him, after prison."

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