Appeal judge raps prosecutors after Peterborough murder

Mr Dobre, 29, of Oundle Road, Peterborough, died after being shot in the Paston area of Peterborough.

Hutchinson, who is in his early 30s, was given a mandatory life sentence with a minimum jail term of nearly 30 years, in June after being found guilty of murder and conspiracy to rob following an earlier trial at Peterborough Crown Court.

Pycroft, who is in his early 40s and of Crabtree, Peterborough, had admitted conspiracy to rob and been given a five year, three month jail term.

Lady Justice Andrews said Mr Dobre had driven to a “rendezvous” with a “prospective customer”.

Pycroft and Hutchinson had approached, Mr Dobre had sensed “something was amiss”, and started to drive off.

Hutchinson had fired a shotgun – he said the gun had gone off accidentally- and entered not guilty pleas.

Mr Dobre was hit in the head and died in hospital.