Police killer Harry Roberts has been released after 48 years prison, it has been revealed. The 78-year-old, who was jailed for life for shooting dead three unarmed policemen in August 1966, was released from Littlehey prison in Cambridgeshire on Monday night. Roberts was one of a gang who murdered Detective Sergeant Christopher Head, 30, Detective Constable David Wombwell, 25, and Constable Geoffrey Fox, 41.
At the time of his sentencing Mr Justice Hildreth Glyn-Jones told Roberts 'I think it likely that no Home Secretary regarding the enormity of your crime will ever think it fit to show you mercy by releasing you on licence.'
However, an independent Parole Board deemed he was eligible for release. A spokesman for the Ministry of Justice told The Sun: 'We do not comment on individuals. Offenders on life sentences are subject to strict controls for as long as their risk requires them. If they fail to comply with these conditions they can be immediately returned to prison. Offenders managed through multi-agency public protection arrangements (Mappa) are monitored and supervised by probation, police and other agencies.'
Police Federation chairman Steve White said many police officers would feel badly let down by the criminal justice system after hearing of Roberts's release.
'While Harry Roberts may have served 38 years in prison, we must not lose sight that he was involved in the brutal murder of three unarmed police officers; their families have been condemned to a life sentence without their loved ones.
'The public outcry also demonstrates the strength of feeling among the law-abiding British public who understand that police officers put themselves in dangerous positions to protect their communities, but rightly expect the backing of the law and criminal justice system in doing so.'
Roberts is now thought to be living in a bail hostel, and it is not believed he will be given a new identity. It is thought he will later move into sheltered accommodation.
Source: MailOnline
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