HOME Secretary Jack Straw today launched an investigation into why it has taken nearly two years to bring the killer of an East Lancashire man to justice.

The torment suffered by Howard Benson's family has been made worse by the fact his killer has already admitted manslaughter and was once free to roam the streets.

Howard, 28, who lived in Blackburn before becoming a nurse at Huddersfield General Hospital, was found dead with head injuries at his house in Paddock two years ago.

His friend, ex-policeman David Laidlaw, 36, was arrested at the scene and charged with murder within hours.

He later admitted manslaughter when he appeared at Bradford Crown Court, a charge accepted by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Now Howard's parents, Maurice and Lilian, who live in the Ribble Valley, and sister Alison Duckworth, of Arkwright Fold, Blackburn, are demanding to know why it has taken so long to sentence the killer. Mrs Duckworth made a personal plea to Home Secretary and Blackburn MP Jack Straw to intervene during a public rally.

She said: "How can a man who has admitted a killing be allowed to remain without a sentence for so long?

"It's been two years and my family has gone through hell."

Mr Straw said: "I will certainly look into the matter.

"I am committed to reducing the time it takes to get offenders into court, particularly if they are on remand in prison."

Mr Benson's family say they do not want other people to go through the suffering they have faced over the last two years because of delays.

They are now preparing all the documents they have about the killing to hand over to Mr Straw with a view to him launching an official inquiry.

Sentencing on Laidlaw has been delayed several times. The family say they have never been given an exact reason why.

Howard's father said nobody had given a thought for their feelings and has accused the justice system of not working.

At one point, Laidlaw was bailed and wasn't put behind bars again until after admitting manslaughter.

After pleading guilty, the judge delayed sentencing for a pathologist employed by the defence to give evidence.

The Crown Prosecution Service said they had every sympathy with the family and delays had been caused because of illness and availability of witnesses.

A date for sentencing has now been set for September.

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