SYLVIA Lancaster, the mother of murdered Sophie Lancaster has said she is "conflicted" on any thoughts of her daughter’s killer.
Sylvia was talking on BBC Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine Show about the murder of Sophie, 20, who died on August 24, 2007 in Bacup.
After serving 14 years, one of her killers is set to be released on licence after serving his minimum term and being deemed suitable for release by the Parole Board.
Ryan Herbert was 16 when he was handed a life sentence after admitting murdering Sophie, who died after being beaten as she cradled her boyfriend Robert Maltby’s head in her lap.
Student Sophie had rushed to help Robert as he lay unconscious and shouted at his attackers to leave him alone.
Sylvia has been speaking out against the Parole Board’s decision to release Herbert.
Sharing her thoughts on the radio show, she said: “I think it is still important because people such as myself who have never been involved in court cases, really believe you are going to get justice.
“I think the reality is that we have to face up to it that you are never going to get justice. You just have to work through it all.”
When asked her thoughts on Ryan Herbert ,she said: “This is where I am in total conflict about it all. I have always worked with young people.
I know that young people can change but obviously in my own head and heart I can’t see Ryan Herbert changing. Is that because I am Sophie's mum?.”
When asked how she sat through the trial, she added: “You want people to be aware what went on that night. If you don’t go to the trial you don’t know.”
Brendan Harris, who was also found guilty of Miss Lancaster’s murder in 2008 and admitted the attack on Mr Maltby, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 18 years.
Sylvia went on to tell listeners about the Sophie Lancaster Foundation.
"We carry on with as much support as we get from the Goth community, from whoever. It has been amazing.
"We do go into schools, prisons, universities. It is about making people aware of the issues and the problems that go on rather that things being swept under the carpet, which they are a lot."
Last year ITV soap, Coronation Street tackled the issue of hate crime when characters Nina Lucas and Seb Franklin were subjected to an unprovoked violent attack, in which Seb tragically lost his life.
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