A PUBLIC outcry has greeted the “pathetic” sentences for the teenage killers of popular Westbourne Big Issue seller Ralph Millward.

Poole trio Jimmy Ayres, 15, Warren Crago and Craig Real, both 17, were locked up for the manslaughter of the homeless man on Wednesday.

But it is likely that they will all be back on the streets in less than two years.

The news provoked dozens of angry responses on our website, which you can read here. Morrigan, from Poole, said: “This type of sentence makes a mockery of the so-called justice system.”

Daddeek, from Bournemouth, said: “I doubt that the pathetic sentences they have now received will make any difference.”

High Treason, from Poole, said: “Such short sentences will do nothing to deter others or rehabilitate these offenders.”

Onionbag, from Poole, described the punishments as “absolutely disgusting”.

“For those who knew Ralph Millward I can only imagine how upset they must feel over this so-called justice,” he added.

Contric said the cost of Ralph’s life seemed “very cheap”.

He added: “The sentences show how woeful and useless our justice system is.”

Ayres, of Aspen Gardens, will be detained for 90 weeks, Crago was handed a four-year sentence, while Real received four years and nine months.

Lara McCullagh, from the Big Issue, said they were also shocked by the boys’ punishments.

She said: “Given the vulnerability of the victim and the nature of the attack we are somewhat surprised by the sentences which have been meted out.

“Ralph’s death is a tragedy keenly felt by those who knew and loved him, but it’s also a tragic reflection of the society in which we live.

“The boys in question not only took Ralph’s life, they destroyed their own lives in the process.”