A Lowestoft man who was jailed as a teenager for the senseless murder of a terminally-ill cancer sufferer has lost a bid for an early chance of parole.

Eastern Daily Press: Lowestoft man John Vry, who was killed in a town alleyway.Lowestoft man John Vry, who was killed in a town alleyway. (Image: Archant)

Aaron Breffitt was only 16 when he and an older friend, James Killingback, set upon 55-year-old John Vry as he made his way home from a chip shop.

Mr Vry, who had terminal cancer, was dragged for no reason into an alleyway and subjected to a horrific assault in December 2008.

The married father, of London Road South, was punched, kicked and stamped on, before being abandoned to die.

The pair were convicted of murder at Ipswich Crown Court in October 2009.

Killingback was ordered to serve at least 19 years and Breffitt 12 years.

Yesterday, Breffitt's case was back in court as he asked top judge Mr Justice William Davis for a reduction in his term to allow an earlier release.

He said he had responded well to being locked up and had been designated a low security Class C prisoner.

However, Mr Justice Davis said Breffitt's initial progress during his time in prison had begun to be reversed by his behaviour in more recent times.

Prison staff said he had been warned on numerous occasions about his behaviour and was a regular user of cannabis in jail.

A murderer's term can only be cut if they can be shown to have made 'exceptional and unforeseen progress', said the judge.

Yet, even Breffitt himself acknowledged that he had only done 'reasonably well'.

'That is a very fair summary,' the judge continued.

'It is an acknowledgement that he has not made exceptional and unforeseen progress. I do not make any recommendation for a reduction of the tariff in the case of Aaron Breffitt.'

Breffitt will only be freed after serving his 12-year minimum if he can convince the Parole Board he is safe.