Stockholm:
A Swedish court has commuted the life sentence of man who killed four people to a 33-year prison sentence, making him eligible for release in 2016.
The Stockholm District Court says Tommy Zethraeus, who was also found guilty of the attempted murder of five people in a 1994 shooting spree outside a nightclub, could be released once he has served two-thirds of his sentence - in line with Swedish custom.
Tuesday's decision came after three appeals by Zethraeus to have his sentence commuted.
The court referred to a 2008 Supreme Court ruling said any uncertainty about him returning to criminal activity was not sufficient grounds to reject the latest appeal, following numerous evaluations of his behavior during his imprisonment. The court also said Zethraeus had successfully participated in training, treatment programs and other courses to prepare him for assimilation into society.
It was not immediately clear if the families of the victims or the prosecutor would appeal the decision.
The shooting rampage, in which 11 others were wounded, shocked Sweden, where mass killings are rare.
The Stockholm District Court says Tommy Zethraeus, who was also found guilty of the attempted murder of five people in a 1994 shooting spree outside a nightclub, could be released once he has served two-thirds of his sentence - in line with Swedish custom.
Tuesday's decision came after three appeals by Zethraeus to have his sentence commuted.
The court referred to a 2008 Supreme Court ruling said any uncertainty about him returning to criminal activity was not sufficient grounds to reject the latest appeal, following numerous evaluations of his behavior during his imprisonment. The court also said Zethraeus had successfully participated in training, treatment programs and other courses to prepare him for assimilation into society.
It was not immediately clear if the families of the victims or the prosecutor would appeal the decision.
The shooting rampage, in which 11 others were wounded, shocked Sweden, where mass killings are rare.
Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world
