Six extra years in jail for Hessle killers

Three judges in London announced that the original 20-year minimum terms imposed on Anthony Graham and Deborah Clark were “unduly lenient”.

Lady Justice Rafferty said that both Graham and Clark, who were convicted of the murder of 57-year-old former BAE Systems worker Mikhail Eno, should now have to serve at least 26 years before they can ask to be considered for parole.

Graham, 41, and Clark, 33, were sentenced to life imprisonment with the 20-year minimum terms at Hull Crown Court in February.

They had been convicted by a jury of the murder of Mr Eno in November 2010 at his flat in Hessle, Yorkshire.

Lady Justice Rafferty, ruling that the original terms were “too low”, described it as a “horrific” case.

Mr Eno was described as kind and generous man whose career had been “distinguished”.

Solicitor General Edward Garnier QC, who referred the case to the Court of Appeal, said after the decision: “Anthony Graham and Deborah Clark took advantage of Mikhail Eno, a vulnerable man living on his own.

“First they moved in and took advantage of his hospitality; next they stole his possessions to buy drugs; and finally they subjected Mr Eno to a sustained and brutal assault - there were over 200 external injuries - which led to his death.

“This was an appalling and distressing murder, a view reflected in the decision of the Court of Appeal which today increased the minimum term of the offenders’ life sentences from 20 to 26 years.”