The family of a mother of three who was murdered by a rapist has been told that the killer might be let out of prison despite having a whole life sentence.
In 1998, Victor Farrant was sent to prison for killing his ex-girlfriend Glenda Hoskins and trying to kill another woman, following a 12-year sentence for rape.
The judge at Winchester Crown Court told Farrant that his crimes were so terrible and he was so dangerous that he should never be freed.
However, Mrs Hoskins' family has been informed that Farrant, who is terminally ill, may be released on compassionate leave. cancer With possibly only weeks to live, Farrant could be released on compassionate grounds.
Glenda's eldest son, Ian Hoskins, warned that Farrant is a very dangerous man who could harm others if released.
Ian, aged 47, said his family felt coerced after being contacted by officials to discuss geographical exclusion zones for the murderer.
The Ministry of Justice stated that no formal application for compassionate leave has been made yet.
Mr Hoskins stated that it would be a completely reckless decision to release Farrant, and suggested that anyone making that decision could be responsible if he harmed someone else.
He warned that anyone deciding to release Farrant could have blood on their hands.
He could harm anyone, not necessarily seeking vengeance against our family.
It could be the nurse at the hospice where he's released, or the woman at the corner shop.
He mentioned that his siblings also feel extremely scared and were not expecting this turn of events, as the judge had previously stated that Farrant would serve life in prison.
He expressed that the possibility of Farrant being terminally ill brings no comfort, as someone with nothing to lose may commit further serious crimes.
Farrant was given a life sentence for the murder of his ex-girlfriend Mrs Hoskins and the attempted murder of Ann Fidler at Winchester Crown Court in 1998.
The judge, Mr Justice Butterfield, had stated during sentencing that Farrant should never be released.
He emphasized that life imprisonment should mean exactly that.
Farrant had previously served a 12-year sentence for rape and other criminal acts.
He was released on November 7, 1995, but soon after, he severely beat Ms Fidler at her home in Eastleigh, Hampshire.
Six weeks later, he killed accountant Mrs Hoskins at her luxurious waterfront house in Portsmouth by holding her underwater in the bathtub.
He placed her body in the upper part of the house where her 15-year-old daughter Katie discovered it.
Following the murder of Mrs Hoskins, Farrant fled and was eventually located in the southern part of France.
Mr Hoskins wondered how Farrant's supervision would be managed if he were given compassionate release, and stated that the family has not been informed about whether he would be residing in a hospice under supervision or another type of accommodation.
The family has been sending letters to their Members of Parliament, Home Secretary James Cleverly, and Justice Secretary Alex Chalk expressing their opposition to Farrant's release.
They mentioned that a panel meeting to discuss Farrant's release is scheduled for early April before it is brought before the Ministry of Justice.
The authority to approve or reject applications for early release from prison lies with the Justice Secretary.
Mr Hoskins added: 'He should be refused that privilege. Some individuals may argue that he should at least have the respect of passing away outside.
'Unfortunately, my mother doesn't have the luxury of 30 or 40 years, which he stole when he killed her in 1996.'
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson stated: 'Glenda Hoskins' murder was a dreadful crime and our sympathies are with her family and friends.
'Prisoners are only granted compassionate release in exceptional circumstances following thorough risk assessments, and no formal application has yet been submitted in this instance.'
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