MICHAEL STONE, the man convicted of killing Lin and Megan Russell 10 years ago, must stay in jail for at least 25 years before being considered for parole.

Stone, from Gillingham, was given three life sentences in 2001 for the murders, and the attempted murder of Megan's sister, Josie.

The minimum jail term he must serve has been set by a judge at the High Court. In dishing out the maximum tariff of 25 years Mr Justice Royce said his hands were tied by the law.

Stone has twice been convicted of the hammer murders of Dr Russell and her six-year-old daughter, Megan, who were killed in a country lane at Chillenden, near Canterbury on July 10 1996.

They were walking home from a swimming gala when they were attacked.

Josie, nine at the time, survived and now lives with her father, Shaun, in north Wales.

Stone was originally found guilty in 1998, but appeal judges quashed his convictions and a retrial was ordered. He was convicted again in 2001.

Stone has always protested his innocence.

The ruling means Stone can apply for parole in 2022 but only if he persuades the parole board he is not a threat to the public.