The family of a farmer who was killed by a car thief in Warwickshire have said his 12-year jail term was too lenient.
Relatives of Michael Boffey also expressed disbelief that Ashley Squires had been freed early from a previous sentence to launch the "criminal expedition" during which the 61-year-old died.
Voicing fears that Squires may again be released early, the farmer's family said they believed the 22-year-old should have been tried for murder.
Squires, of Styon Road, Leicester, pleaded guilty to manslaughter at a hearing at Birmingham Crown Court last week. The Crown accepted his plea of not guilty to murder because no-one other than the defendant had witnessed the moment when Mr Boffey was hit by his own Land Rover.
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The Birmingham-born co-creator of the controversial Jerry Springer: The Opera has branded fundamentalist Christians who jeopardised a nationwide tour of the show as "idiots" who he has "zero respect" for.
Richard Thomas, the composer and co-writer of the award-winning opera, was speaking at the Birmingham Hippodrome, one of 21 venues that will stage the production.
The West End show, which won four Olivier awards, has already been seen by 425,000 people and was watched by 2.4 million viewers when it was shown on BBC2 last year.
But its controversial content, including portrayals of Jesus and God, led to a record 63,000 complaints from viewers and protests were staged at regional BBC centres.
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Vandals, thugs and so-called neighbours from hell are ignoring anti-social behaviour orders.
For every order issued, West Midlands Police is forced to deal with three violations.
Tony Blair is to announce a new crackdown on anti-social behaviour.
He will promise a range of measures to ensure agencies such as police and local councils are forced to listen to residents who want action taken.
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With the likes of Madonna supping the stuff, real ale is making a comeback. Rural Affairs Reporter Sarah Probert talked to a director of the West Midlands' latest brewery about his hopes for the future...
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Ambitious plans to transform Kings Heath into the new Moseley by attracting specialist craft shops and restaurants to the Birmingham suburb have been given the go ahead.
Reintroducing local rail services, cutting congestion and improving parking are some of the proposals put forward in the local action plan for the area.
Councillors and residents said it had too many fast food outlets and charity shops and needed to attract niche businesses, such as delicatessens, fishmongers and health food shops.
The scheme, which will form part of the city council's development plans, also proposes better leisure facilities, the introduction of a farmers' market, and an attempt to meet the high demand for allotments.
More on these stories in Tuesday's Birmingham Post
