KILLER Thomas Nutt who murdered his new bride on their wedding night could have his minimum term increased under a new challenge.

Nutt was jailed for life in August after a jury found him guilty of murdering Dawn Walker after a trial lasting more than two weeks. He must serve a minimum of 21 years behind bars.

The 46-year-old scrap metal dealer packed Miss Walker’s body in a suitcase at the marital home in Shirley Grove, Lightcliffe, shortly after they married on October 27 last year.

During the trial at Bradford Crown Court, jurors were shown CCTV footage of Nutt wheeling her body off in the case before dumping it in bushes.

Now a bid has been made under a scheme for sentences thought to be too lenient.

READ MORE:

The Attorney General’s Office will consider the case and must decide whether to refer Nutt’s sentence to the Court of Appeal for a hearing if it appears “unduly lenient”.

Under the rules of the unduly lenient sentence scheme, the Attorney General's Office has 28 days from the date of sentence to make a decision on the case.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Police at the scene. Inset: Dawn WalkerPolice at the scene. Inset: Dawn Walker

They can decide to send the matter to the Court of Appeal, which could decide that the sentence: should stay the same; is unreasonably low and may increase it; or refuse to hear the case.

The scheme itself allows victims of crime, their families, prosecutors and the public to ask the Law Officers to review sentences for certain crimes that they believe are too low.

In sentencing, Judge Jonathan Rose said that Nutt had murdered 52-year-old Miss Walker on their wedding night. She was killed by persistent and violent acts at what should have been a time of very great happiness.

Judge Rose said Dawn was just over five feet tall, while Nutt was much taller, heavier and more powerful, using his strength to ‘malign effect’ on her.

He had previously been locked up for two robberies and jailed for breaching a non-molestation order.

Dawn Walker was last seen on October 27 last year, her wedding night. No one saw her alive after that and she had no contact with anyone by phone or text after returning from the celebration at the pub.

Nutt had punched her repeatedly and strangled her using significant force.

Judge Rose said the Parole Board would not release him until it was satisfied that he wasn’t a danger to the public.

Want to keep up with all the latest court and crime news? Join our Bradford Crime & Breaking News Facebook group

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

Have you got a story for us? Email newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk or contact us here, WhatsApp us on 07720 403052 or call us on 01274 705292.