Tougher sentence is demanded for killer

An appeal has been launched against the sentence by the Crown Prosecution Service on the grounds that it is too lenient. A file has been passed by Bolton Police to the Attorney General about childminder Rebecca Wilson, aged 33, who was convicted of the manslaughter of little Anil Joshi.

Detectives who investigated the toddler's killing are unhappy with the sentence passed last month at Liverpool Crown Court.

Det Sgt Keith Isherwood, of Bolton Police, said: "The sentence was reviewed by the police and the Crown Prosecution Service and the view was that it was unduly lenient in comparison to similar cases."

Anil's distraught parents, Vijay Joshi, aged 41, and his wife Tejal, aged 34, have been informed about the appeal and are said to be pleased that the sentence is being reconsidered.

The decision now rests with the Attorney General, Lord Goldsmith, who will have the final say on whether the appeal should be granted.

Little Anil died of brain damage after Wilson shook him until he became unconscious at her home in Willow Close, Deane.

He was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital on January 8, 2003, but failed to recover and died in his mother's arms three days later.

On the day of the incident, Anil had been dropped off at Wilson's home. The childminder had been looking after him for six months.

After the trial, Wilson was described by Anil's parents as "callous, calculating and ruthless".

On Wednesday night, Mr and Mrs Joshi, who also live in Willow Close, were still too upset over the death of their son to discuss the appeal bid.

If it is approved, the hearing could take place within the next three months at the Court of Appeal in London.

A spokesman for the Crown Prosecution Service said: "We have lodged an appeal which has been referred by the Attorney General.

"We have looked at all legal references and given a summary report to the Attorney General's office.

"We are now awaiting a decision which could take anything up to 10 days."