A mother jailed for 17 years for killing her six children in a house fire is to appeal against the length of her sentence, her lawyer said today.
Mick Philpott and wife Mairead speak to the media. Credit: Rui Vieira/PA Wire
Mairead Philpott, 32, was jailed alongside her husband Mick Philpott at Nottingham Crown Court last month after being found guilty of the manslaughter of Jade Philpott and her brothers John, Jack, Jesse, Jayden and Duwayne.
Speaking to BBC Radio Nottingham, defence barrister Shaun Smith QC said of her jail-term: "We think it was too long and we are going to the Court of Appeal to see whether or not we can persuade the Court of Appeal to reduce the sentence.
"She was instrumental in killing six children, but we feel as though her role in the killing of the six children was not as substantial as the trial judge has assessed".
Parents remain in custody as blaze-death children are buried
by Paul Davies
Six children killed in a house fire in Derby have been laid to rest.
The overflowing church heard heartfelt tributes for each of them, but the children's parents, who are accused of their murder, were not there to hear them.
The Prison Service has not confirmed whether Mr and Mrs Philpott applied for leave to attend the funeral, but said a risk assessment would be carried out if an application was made.
A spokeswoman said: "We do not comment on the movements of individual prisoners."Prisoners can apply for escorted visits to attend the funeral of a close relative, but it will always be subject to a strict risk assessment."
