THE Court of Appeal has slashed the sentences imposed on two men who almost killed a postmaster when he caught them breaking into his store.

Thomas Lloyd and Malcolm Hitchings were sentenced to 12 years at Worcester Crown Court in October for a crime spree that included beating Hanley Swan postmaster Alan Davies with an iron bar in 2005.

The Court of Appeal this week ruled that their relative youth, both are 20, means 12 years is too long.

Instead they will serve eight year sentences, or a minimum of four with incentives for good behaviour. Having already served almost seven months, they could be out in three years depending how much of their time spent on remand is taken off their sentence.

Mr Davies said the decision undermined the efforts of the authorities in bringing the men to court.

"I think everyone at the original trial did a good job, the police, the prosecution, the defence, the judges. This change is undoing their good work," he said.

Mr Davies, 55, believes that the real reason behind the reduced sentences is overcrowding in prisons and a rising crime rate that the legal system simply cannot cope with.

He expressed disbelief that he, the police and the prosecution had no role to play in any appeal hearing.

"It's sad with so many politicians being barristers or lawyers that we have a system full of flaws and loopholes. I think we need to change the appeal system so that both sides know everything and everyone can get a full picture. It should be more open and honest."

He added: "I can't argue with the reduction in sentences, they are only young boys, but I think we need a more fair and open judicial system."

He concluded: "I think we have a right to know what has changed since the original trial. What new facts or information did the appeal judge hear?"

The men's crime spree also included burglary, arson, possession of criminal property, two counts of making off without payment and doing acts tending or intended to pervert the course of justice.

Although postmaster Alan Davies and his family have forgiven his attackers, reaction in Hanley Swan to the cut in sentence was one of disbelief.

"It's an insult, it just proves that the law always seems to be on the side of the criminal. I think they got off lightly."

Virginia Chadd "I think the people who know him will feel that it will just add to the burden that he and his family have faced."

Barbara Hutchinson "I think the set-up of the criminal justice system is just beyond belief. They could have killed Mr Davies."

Robin Clarke "I don't think that 12 years was enough."

An "astounded" Brenda Smith.