Killer fails in sentence bid

An artist who has produced work for Princess Anne has failed to win a reduction in the minimum 25-year sentence he received for gunning down a successful Telford businessman.

Barry Willett, now 54, whose work has been admired in royal circles, was jailed for at least 25 years in November 1988 for the contract killing of father-of-two Barry Crellin at his factory in Stafford Park in May the previous year. Willett was paid £1,000 for the killing.

His lawyers produced thank you letters from Buckingham Palace and Lambeth Palace to help sway Mr Justice Henriques's decision during the review of his minimum term - or "tariff".

On Friday, the High Court judge ruled Willett must serve the full 25-year tariff for murder before even being considered for parole, despite his royal connections.

Willett shot Mr Crellin, of Four Ashes, Wolverhampton, four times in the back at point blank range after being hired by a man intending to take the victim's place in his refrigeration business - BAR Refrigeration Services.

A court case in 1988 had heard Mr Crellin, 36, was the victim of a "callous" contract killing set up and financed by conman Laurence Goucher.

Willett, who was described as a gun fanatic, was recruited by his father, Robert, who was the middleman, to carry out the killing when he was in "dire financial straits" and was paid £1,000 by Goucher.

All three were jailed for life for murder.

The High Court yesterday heard Willett, who lived in Milton Keynes at the time of the court case, was also a talented artist and had received a royal thank you from Princess Anne for a piece of illuminated calligraphy he produced for her.

Mr Justice Henriques said that, despite his royal connections and good behaviour behind bars, he would not receive a reduction in his minimum jail term.

The judge said: "He has embraced all educational facilities and his artwork has been displayed publicly and been admired in royal and ecclesiastical circles.

"He has found skills to teach inmates and is work co-ordinator and graphic designer in the Braille department.

He has achieved more than 50 qualifications."

But he said: "Willett's continued denial of the offence has prevented him participating in a number of offending behaviour programmes. While his conduct and progress in custody is highly commendable, I do not consider it exceptional."

Willett will have to serve the full 25 years before he is even allowed to apply for his release.