Philpott appeal dismissed

Judges have dismissed Mairead Philpott's appeal to have her 17 year sentence for the manslaughter of her children reduced.

Read: Mairead Philpott loses appeal for reduction of sentence

Mairead Philpott has lost her appeal to have her 17-year sentence reduced for the manslaughter of her six children.

Jim Duffy, Mairead Philpott's father, told reporters that he was happy his daughter's appeal for a reduction of her 17-year sentence was rejected and described today's hearing as "a waste of money'.

Mairead Philpott has had her appeal against her 17 year term for manslaughter of her six children dismissed at Nottingham Crown Court.

Richard Latham QC, prosecution for the Crown, has argued Mairead Philpott had petrol on her own clothing and was therefore not a "mere spectator".

Prosecutor Richard Latham QC has told the court at the Mairead Philpott appeal hearing, "While we understand her grief at the deaths of her children. But there was a plan here - hatched over a period of time that Mairead Philpott was aware of before the fire....she wasn't a mere spectator."

Mairead Philpott's barrister, Shaun Smyth QC, has told the court "Those unfurnished with the whole facts are sharpening their pens against Mairead Philpott. We know this (appeal) will not find favour with those who advocate the purpose of sentencing is for vengeance and retribution."

The defence barrister for Mairead Philpott has said her husband, Mick Philpott, targeted women who were incapable of standing up to him.

He then suggested Mairead Philpott was 'the neediest of them all' and could not 'summon the courage' to leave him.

Mairead Philpott's barrister told Nottingham Crown Court she was "particularly vulnerable."

Read: Case about 'psychopath who could manipulate women'