A petition set up by Alesha MacPhail's heartbroken uncle has reached its 15,000 target - on the same day her twisted killer lodged an appeal against his sentence.
CJ MacPhail launched a campaign calling on the Scottish Government to stop protecting teenage killers from harsh punishment after Aaron Campbell was handed a juvenile sentence.
Campbell, 16, was caged for a minimum of 27 years at the High Court in Glasgow for abducting, raping and murdering six-year-old Alesha on the Isle of Bute last summer.
Twisted teen killer Aaron Campbell appeals sentence for rape and murder of Alesha MacPhail
The teenager finally admitted his crimes in a psychological report prepared ahead of his sentencing, after maintaining innocence through the trial.
The online petition , which reached its goal of 15,000 on Thursday afternoon, argues that Campbell was given a lesser punishment because his is "still considered a child in the eyes of the court".
It comes as the twisted rapist and killer launched an appeal against his sentence with the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service.
Doc who assessed Alesha MacPhail killer faces backlash over psychopath screening for young kids
In a video on Facebook the day after Campbell's sentencing, CJ said: "As of today I am going to be setting up a petition to the Scottish Government in relation to anyone who is over the age of 16 whom commits serious crimes, such as murder and rape.
"They shouldn't be tried as children because if you can get married at 16 or join the army at 16, then I'm a strong believer you are an adult when you're responsible for making your decisions at that point in time.
"I would like everyone one to sign it if possible."
Alesha MacPhail killer Aaron Campbell 'dangerous psychopath' who must never be freed say experts
The petition, hosted on change.org , is now well on its way to an extended target of 25,000 signatures - with a number of people leaving comments as the backed the campaign.
Giving her name, Amy Walker wrote: "By the age of 16 a person is capable of distinguishing right from wrong.
"16-year-olds committing horrific crimes are capable of knowing that they are doing and should be punished the same way an adult would be."
Luke Butcher added: "Serious crime, serious punishment, murder, rape and child abuse isn’t less serious because the person committing the crime is 16.
"They know what they are doing and they will always be a danger."
And Charlotte McCormick wrote: "Agreed! Take a life you deserve a life sentence.
"If young kids are able to commit murder they are old enough to be seen as an adult and get adult punishment!"
Lord Matthews, who sentenced Campbell, said social work and psychologist reports "had painted a clear picture of a cold, callous, calculating, remorseless and dangerous individual".
He said Campbell had shown a "staggering lack of remorse" and told the teenager: "Not once did I detect a flicker of emotion from you."
You can view the petition set up by CJ MacPhail here .
