A “role model for other prisoners” who killed a defenceless man in an attack described as “feral” has had his jail sentence cut.

Andrew Hugh Elvin, 23, was jailed for a minimum of 11 years and 39 days at the Old Bailey in January 2007, after he was convicted of kicking and stamping Luke Salisbury to death at his home in Oaks Square, Epsom.

But, after reviewing his time in prison on Friday, February 15, High Court judge Mrs Justice Dobbs cut his minimum term to 10 years, bringing forward his potential release date to early 2017.

Justice Dobbs said: “He has filled his life working for others in prison, but also outside, as shown by his fundraising activities for charity.

“There can be no doubt in my mind that the overall picture demonstrates exceptional and unforeseen progress.”

Elvin killed the 31-year-old after a row about a previous incident when Mr Salisbury had spat at Elvin’s sister.

Mr Salisbury was punched, kicked, stamped on and dragged downstairs.

Elvin then stripped his clothes and left him naked at the bottom of the stairs.

After the 2007 trial, Mr Salisbury’s brother Julian told the Epsom Guardian Elvin’s sentence failed to reflect the devastation caused to his family by his brother’s killing.

He said: “No sentence, however long, would adequately reflect the family's sense of loss.”

Justice Dobbs said Elvin has since shown “genuine remorse” and developed into a mature man.

She said: “He came in an immature teenager with little insight into the appropriateness and risks of violent behaviour and with little empathy for the victim.

“He has developed into a mature young man with real insight into himself and others.

“He has shown genuine remorse and fully accepted responsibility for causing the fatal injuries to the deceased.

“He has acknowledged the impact of his actions on others and in particular the family of the deceased. He does not blame others.

“This unforeseen change of heart happened within 18 months of the offence and the applicant has sought to address, and has addressed, the factors which might have been drivers in the offence.”