A PROLIFIC armed robber nicknamed Skull Cracker for pistol-whipping bystanders has won his sentence appeal, but was told by jud-ges he still faces a "very considerable period" in jail.
Michael Wheatley was imprisoned for life in May for robbing a building society in Sunbury-on-Thames while on the run from Standford Hill prison in Kent
At a Court of Appeal hearing in London, he successfully challenged an order that he must serve at least 10 years in jail before he can apply for release on parole.
He watched proceedings via video-link from prison, as Lady Justice Hallett, Mr Justice Cranston and Mr Justice Knowles reduced his tariff to eight years.
Wheatley, 55, was serving life when he absconded on day release on May 3.
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