IAN SIMMS: Closer to freedom
Marie McCourt said the phone call she had always dreaded came on Wednesday afternoon as she drove alone near her home town of Billinge near to where her daughter Helen was last seen alive 28 years ago this month.
The parole board has recommended that Simms be moved to an open prison within weeks, which could in turn lead to him being allowed out on escorted day release three months later and full release on licence thereafter.
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Hide AdThe Ministry of Justice stresses it has yet to approve the move although the victim’s mother says it is unusual for MOJ officials to block the recommendations. However, Mrs McCourt was hoping to get Home Secretary Theresa May to intervene.
Mrs McCourt was informed by probation that it was possible that former pub landlord Simms, 59, could be a free man within months.
It means 72-year-old Mrs McCourt’s worst nightmare could come true - that the man convicted for her daughter’s murder without revealing the whereabouts of her body would walk free without disclosing his secret.
And Mrs McCourt today voiced fears for all those who have spoken against Simms who could soon be in danger, including herself.
She said: “I am heartbroken and devastated.
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Hide Ad“How can this man be safe to release? He sent me a threatening letter from prison, he has never admitted his crime, shown remorse or disclosed where Helen’s body is.”
TIMELINE OF RELATED ARTICLES:
Notorious murderer Simms could be set free today - January 2016
Murderer’s new bid for freedom nears - January 2016
100,000 show support for Helen’s law - December 2015
Mum’s agony over delayed parole review - July 2015
Mum silenced on killer’s plea - March 2014
Police hunt churchyard for remains of Helen McCourt - October 2013
Mum’s plea to killer 25 years on - February 2013
Mum to meet daughter’s killer - July 2008
Marie McCourt in TV documentary - April 2008
Psychic: ‘I know where Helen is’ - June 2005