In England and Wales manslaughter has a "discretionary" life sentence, as opposed to the mandatory one for murder. This means the judge's discretion is used. He could impose any sentence at all, from an unconditional discharge, which means a conviction is recorded but no punishment given, right up to life imprisonment, or even a fine. Fines for manslaughter are normal where the defendant is a company rather than an individual (although it is usually easier to prosecute in such cases as a health and safety breach, as the punishment is the same and the conviction easier to obtain). An individual can expect a sentence of a few years.

The point of manslaughter compared to murder is that murder is an intentional act with an element of forward planning. Manslaughter is not and can be simply an act of negligence.

thanks Mrs H - let's hope for six life sentences then

OMG   Horrible horrible pair.

It was also said he wanted the money that was raised by the community for the children's funerals to be paid to him in Argos vouchers  and apparently asked if there was any money left over 

Well I won't claim to be the worlds best parent, but I know I wouldn't set my house on fire knowing my child was inside.  Excellent parents my arse. 

She (her sister) said that the couple never entered the hospital room where one of the children, Duwayne, lay dying in a specialist burns unit following the house fire in Derby last May, which the Philpotts were found guilty of starting. Asked what they were doing instead, Lobban said: "Discussing where to order Chinese and complaining that the hospital was crap because it had not provided them with food, just a room to sleep."

Heartless evil people!

unbelievable 

Bloody hell

You wouldn't leave their side would you Aims?

Normal parents wouldn't, makes you wonder if social services were involved with the family, I hate these families that claim as much benefits as they can and then don't use it to look after the children, I was reading that the children weren't fed properly either 

Crazy isn't it?   How can an educated person come out with such claptrap - I know everyone's entitled to a legal defence etc, but I'm not sure how a barrister copes if they get someone off with stuff like this knowing they're guilty

On an interview 'This Morning' a friemd said Maread was choosing an outfit for the funeral - her friend said the chosen outfit was probably innappropriate - her response 'will it be OK for the after party though?'

Words fail me - I don't care how brainwashed she was - the woman is callous.

Soozy I totally agree.  The claims that she was controlled by him etc.  Although probably true, but once he's killed your children through such a selfish act wouldn't you come straight forward and grass him up because you would know what would be your chance to get away from him.  Her behaviour was definitely not that of a grieving mother. 

II was thinking that earlier, I don't know how a barrister can stand there and try to get them a lighter sentence when they know they are guilty. They said on Sky earlier that they were already being picked on in jail and a longer sentence would only make things worse for them 

I've just watched the panorama programme - I'm still speechless  

Shocking eh

I've just watched it  he was on karaoke 

Sentencing starting soon 

He's got life 

He's got to serve minimum of 15 years 

he'll be out in under 7 

Mairead is crying as she awaits her sentence 

unbelievable 

wish the woman on sky would stop sniffing - tis very irritating

Mairead gets 17 years and only has to serve half of it 

Mairead gets 17 years but will serve one half 

I know they said he has to serve a minimum of 15 years but that's still too short and I wouldn't put it past the judicial service to release him earlier 

Mick Philpott is staring silently at the floor 

Moseley gets 17 years as well 

Paul Mosley also gets 17 years 

her and moseley will serve less than 6/7 years in that case for killing those poor children 

it's nothing is it 

The public gallery are clapping and shouting die at Mick Philpott 

Obscene gestures from Mick Philpott as he leaves the dock 

No ...........it'll be AT LEAST 15 years. That's what minimum means - no guaruntee  he'll be released then. It's a life sentence that's just a guide.

Mick Philpott to serve minimum of 15 years 

in her case she will serve only one year per childs life, it is not enough, though it could never be enough unless it was a death sentence

poor woman probably has a cold and can't help it but tis irritating