Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Hindley 'rejects prison move idea'

Steve Boggan
Thursday 08 February 1996 19:02 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

STEVE BOGGAN

Myra Hindley would not want to be moved to an open prison, a friend said last night. Reacting to reports that the Moors murderer could be moved to an open prison, the friend said Hindley would be concerned for her personal safety and worried about press intrusion.

The Home Secretary, Michael Howard, is considering the future of the 54-year-old killer who, with her lover Ian Brady, claimed the lives of four children in the 1960s.

She is currently being held in Durham jail and is expected to spend the rest of her life in prison following a 1990 ruling by the then Home Secretary, Lord Waddington.

In a statement, the Prison Service confirmed Hindley's case was being considered afresh but a spokesman refused to confirm what suggestions had been made or whether Mr Howard would act them.

But the Times said the parole board had recommended transfer to one of three jails where Hindley would be allowed liberties unparalleled in other prisons. There are three open jails for women - Askham Grange, near York, Drake Hall in Staffordshire and East Sutton Park in Kent.

A spokesman for the Prison Service said: "Myra Hindley's case was recently reviewed by the parole board which has provided advice to the Home Secretary. The Home Secretary will consider that advice...

"In considering advice from the Parole Board in a mandatory life sentence case the Home Secretary will have regard to whether the prisoner has satisfied the requirements of retribution, deterrence and the need to protect the safety of the public and maintaining public confidence in the criminal justice system.

"It is not the Home Secretary's practice to describe the advice given to him by the parole board before he has reached his decision."

A source close to Ms Hindley said she was not aware yesterday of the decision of the board and added that it was not what she wanted in any event.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in