Hemel Hempstead MP calls for murderer who shot police officer to be returned to prison
PC Frank Mason was shot in Hemel Hempstead in 1988, when he was off duty and tried to stop a burglary
A Hertfordshire MP has written to the Justice Secretary to ask for intervention, as a man who murdered an off-duty police officer has been released from prison.
David Taylor, MP for Hemel Hempstead, says he "cannot imagine the pain" that PC Frank Mason's family are going through, after the news that one of his killers has been released from prison.
James Hurley shot PC Mason in the back, when he was out with his dog, and tried to prevent a burglary outside Barclays Bank, in Hemel Hempstead, in 1988.
Hurley was one of three men jailed for life for the fatal shooting on April 14th, but only six years later he escaped, after threatening a police officer with a knife when he was being moved between cells.
He went on the run for 13 years, and now, it's been confirmed he has been released.
"The murder was unforgiveable"
David Taylor MP has now written a letter to Shabana Mahmood MP, the Justice Secretary, detailing how "deeply disturbed and disgusted" he feels that "this evil murderer and fugitive has been cleared for release".
He has asked for justice for PC Mason to continue to be served, saying "he was given life, he has not seen justice served yet."
The MP wants to see Hurley back behind bars.
The murder shocked the community, and while the Government doesn't have the oversight of the decision made by the parole board, David Taylor MP is urging the Ministry of Justice to review the decision.
Released on Parole
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson has confirmed that James Hurley has been released, but state a thorough risk assessment was made.
A spokesperson said:
“Our thoughts remain with the friends and family of Frank Mason following the independent Parole Board’s decision.
“He is now on licence for the rest of his life, with strict conditions and intensive probation supervision after he is released. He faces an immediate return to prison if he fails to comply."
PC Frank Mason Memorial
On September 6th, 1989, a memorial was unveiled in memory of PC Frank Mason, on Bank Court in Hemel Hempstead.
He was 27 when he was fatally shot, and had joined the police four years earlier.
Details from the unveiling said "He had been highly praised by his Senior Officers during his tragically short time with Hertfordshire Police."