An Alabama judge has ordered that a man who robbed a bakery of $50.75 be released from his life sentence.
Alvin Kennard, 58, was handed the harsh sentence under strict rules introduced in the 1970s to deter repeat offenders.
The ruling provoked an emotional reaction from friends and family, who have been visiting Kennard throughout his incarceration.
His lawyer, Carla Crowder, said he was "overwhelmed at this opportunity" and would be looked after by family.
He wanted to take up his former job as a carpenter, she added.
In 1983, when he was 22 years old, Kennard robbed a bakery with a knife. Although there were no injuries, he was sentenced to life without parole.
He had previously pleaded guilty to a burglary, meaning he had breached the old Habitual Felony Offender Act, otherwise known as the Three Strikes Law.
- Bill Clinton regrets 'three strikes'
- US Senate passes major crime reform bill
- Making a Murderer teaching law students
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
Latest Stories
-
Quincy Jones: His brilliance explained in 10 songs
3 hours -
Nigeria and Britain hail partnership to boost economic ties, security
4 hours -
Chad threatens to withdraw from multinational security force
4 hours -
Cocoa farmers hoard beans in anticipation of price hike, reports Reuters
4 hours -
Boat capsizes off Comoros islands, 25 killed, UN agency says
4 hours -
How are votes counted in the US election?
4 hours -
Mozambique presidential runner-up escapes alleged assassination attempt
4 hours -
Nigerian children who collapsed in court released
5 hours -
Quincy Jones: From ‘street rat’ to music mastermind
5 hours -
Bawumia outlines plans to develop three major railway lines alongside road projects
5 hours -
I want you to be millionaires through my responsible mining policies – Bawumia assures miners
5 hours -
‘Constitution reigns supreme in Ghana’- Declares Attorney General
5 hours -
‘Efua Ghartey’s GBA presidency has a divine touch’, says Attorney General Dame
6 hours -
Esports Ghana: Stakeholders gear up for pivotal meeting in Accra
6 hours -
GPL 2024/25: Legon Cities beat Yong Apostles to record back-to-back wins
6 hours