A KILLER who beat to death a man he claimed made sexual advances towards him has won a cut in the minimum term he must spend behind bars.

Gareth William Downham, of Hill Street, Carnforth, Lancs, was jailed for life in December last year after admitting murdering Kevin Pedder at Preston Crown Court.

The 23-year-old claimed he saw red after Mr Pedder, 48, persisted in making advances towards him after going back to Downham's flat in February, 2003.

Mr Pedder had earlier been seen drinking at the Carnforth Hotel, later emerging into the street where he was spotted trying to kiss' Downham.

Lord Justice Gage said that, at some point over the next few hours, Downham killed Mr Pedder. His battered corpse was discovered by a lorry driver returning home the next morning.

Detectives discovered signs of a struggle in Downham's bedroom, plus telltale blood-stains around the flat. A forensic scientist concluded that Mr Pedder was probably assaulted while lying on the bed in Downham's bedroom.

Downham told police he had met Mr Pedder on leaving the Carnforth Hotel. Once in his flat, Mr Pedder had made homosexual advances, with Downham threa-tening to hit the older men if he did not get off him'.

He said that, when Mr Pedder persisted in his attentions, he lashed out, unleashing an assault consisting of blows to the head and body.

He later dumped Mr Pedder outside in an alleyway where he was still breathing'.

He had no intention to kill the older man and felt intense remorse for his actions, said Lord Justice Gage.

Lord Justice Gage - sitting with Judge Charles Wide and Mr Justice Holland - said Downham was appealing against his 13-year murder tariff' - meaning the minimum number of years he must serve behind bars before he can apply for parole.

The Appeal Court cut the tariff to 12 years.