The young man convicted of killing a young Lower Mainland gas station attendant in 2005 has had his prison sentence reduced to seven years from nine.

In its written reasons for reducing the sentence, the B.C. Court of Appeal cites Darnell Pratt's young age at the time of the incident, when he was 16. It also says Pratt is a good candidate for rehabilitation and re-integration into the community.

Grant De Patie, 24, was dragged seven kilometres to his death in Maple Ridge when he tried to stop a gas-and-dash robbery.

Pratt was originally charged with second-degree murder but later pleaded guilty to manslaughter. His name had been under a publication ban during his trial, but was made public after he was sentenced as an adult, when he was 17.

Victim's parents outraged

The victim's parents, Corinne and Doug De Patie, who had sought a second-degree murder conviction, say they are shocked and disappointed by the latest court decision.

Doug De Patie said the court system is too lenient on offenders, and that he has lost confidence in the justice system.

"I can see why Canadians are embarrassed globally by our court systems, and the sentences handed out in Canada," he said. "I don't think that this ensures there's meaningful consequences for the offence. And I don't think that it leaves the public with the impression that justice has been served."

Pratt will serve a total five years and 10 months, taking into account time he spent behind bars before his conviction.