A MURDERER from Salisbury will spend at least another seven years and eight months in prison before he can be considered for release.

Adam Stuart Cross, 35, of Brown Street, was found guilty by a jury at Winchester Crown Court on Friday and handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 14 years.

Cross attacked Joseph Starzacher following an argument in New Canal in Salisbury in July 2007. Mr Starzacher was punched and fell to the floor before Cross kicked him, probably in the head although it is not clear on the CCTV, as he tried to get up. He was left in a permanent vegetative state from the attack and died of pneumonia in August 2010.

Cross was initially charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and has already served six years and four months behind bars.

His Hon Judge Teare told him he would take account of the time he had already served in the minimum term, leaving seven years and eight months before he can be considered for release by the parole board.

He said he accepted there was a “possibility the offence was provoked by insults from the victim” but said Cross' reaction was “wholly unreasonable”.