The family of a couple brutally murdered in their own home by a former commando have launched a petition to have his appeal win overturned.
Afghanistan veteran Collin Reeves knifed Stephen and Jennifer Chapple six times each at their home in Norton Fitzwarren, near Taunton, Somerset, in November 2021.
He had been handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 38 years by a trial judge.
But three appeal judges recently cut that minimum term to 35 years after concluding that 38 years was "excessive".
Warped Reeves, 35, killed Mrs Chapple, 33, and Mr Chapple, 36, in their home while their children slept upstairs.
Jailing him at Bristol Crown court, Mr Justice Garnham said the killings had "torn the heart out two perfectly normal, decent families".
"You left (Mr and Mrs Chapple) on the floor bleeding to death, and all of the time their two children were asleep upstairs," the judge said.
"Your murderous behaviour left them orphans.
"They were put to bed that night by their parents and they would never see them again. The harm you did those two innocent children is incalculable."
Now the family and friends of the Chapples have launched an online petition in the hope the Government will think twice about his reduced sentenced.
The petition reads: “In the weeks leading up-to her death, Jennifer messaged friends and family saying she truly feared for her life living so close to Reeves.
“Collin spent months tormenting the Chapples, Jennifer expressed to friends and family how she feared for her own life at the hands of Reeves.
“Reeves was sentenced to 38 years in prison for the murder of Jennifer and Stephen in 2022.
“Reeves was quick to appeal, having only served 209 days in prison.
“On 21st march 2023, his appeal was successful and the judge reduced his sentence.
“This is our plea to the people of the UK to sign this petition and get this case seen by our government.
“The reduction of his sentence is an insult to the friends, families and most importantly the children of the Chapples.”
The ex-Royal Engineer, who had admitted manslaughter, was convicted of murdering the couple after a jury took five hours to deliberate.
Mr Justice Garnham also told Reeves he had "inflicted enormous damage on his own daughters, who will now grow up without their father".
Mrs Chapple's mother, Ann Clayton, described her daughter as "an exuberant, caring, beautiful light in the world".
"For a mother to lose a child is something that causes never-ending pain, knowing there will forever be a darkness inside you, a light switched off that can never be replaced," she added.
Stephen Chapple's father Robert said he did not think the family would ever be able to come to terms with what happened.
He said: "We struggle most days to accept reality, to think that we will never see our beautiful son and daughter-in-law again and our two grandsons losing their lovely mum and dad at such a young age.
"It is so hard to get on with everyday tasks. We are very close-knit family and also met up and did lots of activities together, now when we get together there is always a huge void in our lives."
You can sign the petition here.
