Latest news with #ParoleBoard
ITV News
a day ago
- ITV News
Man who served 36 years in jail for murder he says he did not commit to have case reviewed
A man who spent 36 years in prison for the brutal murder of a betting shop manager he says he did not commit has been given fresh hope at clearing his name. Ray Gilbert, 66, was convicted of stabbing John Suffield Junior 19 times at the Coral Racing Shop, on Lodge Lane, Toxteth, in what was believed to have been a botched robbery in 1981. But he has always maintained his innocence, despite it costing him an extra 20 years in prison because of his refusal to confess to a Parole Board. After several attempts to clear his name Mr Gilbert has now received a letter from the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) confirming it is reviewing his case and will decide whether to refer it for an appeal. Mr Gilbert, who was aged 22 at the time of his arrest, initially admitted the crime - but says he was coerced and threatened into confessing during 48-hours of police questioning staged without legal representation or an appropriate adult. Since conviction, he has consistently protested his innocence. If his latest attempt to overturn his conviction is successful, he will be the victim of the UK's longest ever miscarriage of justice. Speaking to Granada Reports in June 2025, Mr Gilbert said: "I want to prove my innocence. I want to be able to hold my head up high. "It's nothing to do about money, I just want my innocence proven. "You can't let one out and then say the evidence is ok, when the appeal court's already ruled the evidence is useless." In June, ITV Granada Reports presenter Katie Walderman spoke to Ray about his story. His case will first be looked at by a Case Review Manager, who will then pass on their findings to a group of Commissioners who will then make a decision on the outcome of Mr Gilbert's request. The CCRC has said they "may" be able to pass the case to the Commissioners for a decision by the end of 2025. This is only the latest of a number of attempts from Mr Gilbert to overturn his conviction, but this time he has the support of independent investigator Stephanie Davis. She said: "Ray was vulnerable when he was questioned. I think the police may have been aware... and he's ended up confessing to a crime that I don't think he did. "The details in his confessions don't match what I'm seeing at the crime scene. "Every time Ray's applied to the CCRC, they have said there's no new evidence. But this time, I'm offering a brand new argument." Mr Gilbert's team say there is evidence which proves Mr Gilbert could not have committed the crime. Hayley Wood, a Miscarriage of Justice Advocate, who is also working on Ray's behalf said: "It's within these documents we have found certain information that suggests that Ray was certainly not in the place that he was forced to confess to where he was. "On the run up to Ray's arrest - eye witnesses described the attackers, or those trying to gain access to the building as being white men, and then once Ray was arrested, witnesses were then saying they were mixed race." She added: "I really hope this time the CCRC will listen and that they'll at least do a forensic review of any remaining samples. "If Ray's case does get referred to the court of appeal - then this could be one of the longest miscarriages of justice known in the UK."
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Mum who abused baby son so badly he lost both legs is freed from prison early
Jody Simpson, who was jailed alongside her partner for abusing their baby son in 2018, was released from prison today - Tony Hudgell's adoptive mum said it's 'very unfair' that she is now free An evil mum who abused her six-week-old son so badly he lost his legs has been released from prison. Jody Simpson, 33, and her partner Tony Smith, 54, were sentenced to 10 years in prison in February 2018 after inflicting multiple fractures, dislocations and blunt trauma to Tony Hudgell's face. The little boy was left untreated and in agony for 10 days. Tony, who is now 10 years old, was adopted by Mark and Paula Hudgell. In recent years, he raised £1.8million for charity - mostly during the Covid-19 pandemic, when he walked 10km (six miles) on his prosthetic legs. The double-amputee, who also received a British Empire Medal for his fundraising effort, faces life-long challenges due to the injuries he suffered as a baby. Today, Simpson was freed from prison following a risk assessment by the Parole Board. She will face strict conditions including on her movements and contact with others. A Ministry of Justice spokesperson told The Mirror: "This was a horrific crime that saw Tony Hudgell mercilessly tortured by his birth parents and our thoughts remain with him and his loved ones. "Now that Jody Simpson has been released as directed by the Independent Parole Board, she will be subject to strict supervision and licence conditions. She faces an immediate return to prison if she breaks the rules." Paula, who adopted Tony when he was a baby, said "it just feels very unfair" that Simpson is "now free to live her life" while Tony "is still dealing with the consequences of her actions and will be for life." She also revealed she is campaigning for a national Child Cruelty Register to be introduced to ensure the safety of children. Speaking to The Sun, the adoptive mum said: "I appreciate there is a prison overcrowding crisis and that the Parole Board has placed strict conditions on her, but it does not feel like enough. After her license expires in two years time she will be completely free to do whatever she wants - including getting in a situation where she could cause harm to more children. That is why I am campaigning for a national Child Cruelty Register to be introduced. "It would work in a similar way to the sex offenders register and would mean people like Simpson would be monitored for life to prevent her hurting anymore innocent kids. Nothing can change what they did to Tony, but by bringing in this measure we could stop horrific incidents of abuse and neglect from happening in the future." Simpson was first released from prison on license in February 2023. She was recalled in May 2024 after starting a relationship with a sex offender - in breach of her conditions. An application had been made for Simpson's subsequent Parole Board hearing to be heard in public, rather than in private as is usually the case. However, the public hearing was refused, as the Parole Board said: "Ms Simpson's behaviour in custody seems to have been good. On many occasions she was bullied by other prisoners who were aware of the nature of her offences and of the extensive publicity given to the case in the media. This has caused various difficulties for her during her sentence, which need not be detailed here." Authorising Simpson's release earlier this month, the Parole Board said: "We can confirm that a panel of the Parole Board has directed the release of Jody Simpson following an oral hearing. Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community. "A panel will carefully examine a huge range of evidence, including details of the original crime, and any evidence of behaviour change, as well as explore the harm done and impact the crime has had on the victims. Members read and digest hundreds of pages of evidence and reports in the lead up to an oral hearing. "Evidence from witnesses such as probation officers, psychiatrists and psychologists, officials supervising the offender in prison as well as victim personal statements may be given at the hearing. It is standard for the prisoner and witnesses to be questioned at length during the hearing which often lasts a full day or more. Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority."
Calgary Herald
2 days ago
- Politics
- Calgary Herald
In Calgary courts: Convicted Coutts border protester can be released on bail pending appeal, judge rules
Convicted Coutts border protester Chris Carbert can be freed pending appeal, a Calgary judge ruled Monday. Article content Justice Jo'Anne Strekaf said despite concerns from the Parole Board of Canada that Carbert presents 'an undue risk to society' if granted parole, she found no serious concern exists. Article content Article content 'The applicant has demonstrated that there is no substantial likelihood that he will commit a criminal offence or interfere with the administration of justice if released from detection pending the hearing of his appeal,' Strekaf said in a written decision. Article content Article content Carbert has appealed his convictions by a Lethbridge jury of possession of weapons for a purpose dangerous to the public peace and mischief in connection with a border blockade in connection with a protest against COVID-19 restrictions and vaccine mandates. Article content Carbert was part of a group which blocked the border for two weeks in February, 2022. Article content Last Sept. 9, he was sentenced to the equivalent of a 6 1/2-year sentence, but with credit for remand time had two years, seven months and 21 days left to serve. Article content He was eligible for day parole on March 6, and full parole July 27, but was denied both on April 29. Article content Strekaf agreed with defence counsel Katherin Beyak that despite those decisions by the Parole Board her client should be released pending his two appeals. Article content Article content Although he was convicted of serious offences, the Alberta Court of Appeal judge agreed with Beyak there were legitimate grounds of appeal to be considered. Article content Carbert was found to be on possession of 'multiple firearms including a prohibited semi-automatic rifle, over-capacity magazines and thousands of rounds of ammunition,' while under a lifetime weapons prohibition, Strekaf noted. Article content 'In sentencing the applicant, the trial judge found that the applicant had armed himself with firearms, ammunition and body armour for the purpose of engaging with the police if he deemed it necessary to do so in the context of the Coutts border blockade.' Article content Strekaf said if kept in custody pending appeal, he may serve his entire sentence, without any remission, even if his appeal is successful. Article content She noted Carbert's conviction appeal hearing is set for Sept. 11, and if that decision is reserved by the court his sentence appeal, if necessary, may not be determined until after his full sentence is complete. Article content
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Killer who suffocated girl, 10, to 'sue Parole Board for breaching human rights'
Paul Smith, who was jailed for life for the murder of 10-year-old Rosie May Storrie in Normanton, Leicestershire, in 2003, is claiming a breach of human rights after he was refused parole A child murderer who has had his bid for freedom turned down is to sue the Parole Board for breaching his human rights in the first case of its kind. Paul Smith was jailed for life with a minimum term of 14 years after he suffocated 10-year-old Rosie May Storrie at a Christmas party in 2003. The trainee electrician was 17 when he carried out the murder with Rosie May found unconscious on a bed in Normanton, Leicestershire, and she died two days later in hospital. The Parole Board has ruled that he should remain in prison due to concern over his sexual behaviour. But Smith, now 38, has reportedly sought to have the decision overturned in the High Court, claiming that his human rights have been breached. It comes as a new parole appeal is also reportedly being made this week and Smith is believed to be the first child murderer to use human rights law in a bid for freedom. He had become eligible for parole in January 2018 when his minimum jail term ended but a Parole Board review in 2024 decided against releasing him, citing his 'sexual interests', reported The Sun. Smith denied murder during his trial and at his sentencing it was revealed that he had earlier threatened a 16-year-old with an air rifle before bundling her into the boot of a car. He had also attacked a girl of 12. A court heard that Smith was seen chasing Rosie May during the Christmas party. The youngster was later found unconscious in a bedroom by her horrified dad, Graham. Her mother Mary, a nurse, carried out mouth-to-mouth but Rosie May never regained consciousness. Since their daughter's death Mary and Graham have helped thousands of children through their Rosie May Foundation. On the website it states: "Our Story. Tragedy can happen to anyone at any time and ours was every parent's nightmare. On the 28th of December 2003 our lives were changed irrevocably. At a Christmas party, Rosie May our only daughter, age 10, was brutally murdered by a 17 year old boy she knew. "In January 2004, the Rosie May Foundation was founded in response to overwhelming donations from the public. Immediate funds went to Sheffield Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, who gave Rosie May very special care during the last, precious 48 hours of her short life. Graham, Rosie May's father recorded Van Morrison's Brown eyed girl as a tribute. He sang this to baby Rosie. It was their song. He told his little girl he had written it especially for her! The CD has now sold over 3000 copies for the charity." The Mirror has contacted the Parole Board for comment and the law firm Instalaw that is representing Smith.
New York Post
4 days ago
- New York Post
Sex fiend Peter Braunstein, who posed as firefighter to brutally rape NYC magazine co-worker in 2005, up for parole hearing
One of the Big Apple's most infamous sex predators could be released from prison in a matter of weeks, The Post has learned. Former fashion magazine writer-turned-sexual torturer Peter Braunstein will have his first hearing before the state Parole Board during the week of Aug. 18, according to a corrections official who said an exact date has not been set. The 61-year-old onetime 'Women's Wear Daily' journo sexually brutalized a co-worker he'd grown obsessed with. He set a fire outside the victim's Chelsea apartment on Halloween night in 2005, and gained access to her home by posing as a responding fireman. Advertisement 8 Peter Braunstein has spent the last 18 years behind prison bars. AP Braunstein then chloroformed the 36-year-old woman, drugged her, stripped her naked, bound her, and sexually assaulted her over more than 13 hellish hours. Her name is being withheld by The Post. He scrawled a mocking note on her mirror, 'Bye — Hope things turn around for U soon.' Advertisement 8 Braunstein bought this fireman's raincoat from eBay. Steven Hirsch Braunstein — who was on probation at the time for menacing his ex-girlfriend, the late fashion editor Jane Larkworthy — videotaped the savage sexual abuse. Braunstein went on the run after the vicious rape, becoming the most wanted man in America. The NYPD launched a nationwide manhunt, with daily headlines tracking the creep's movements from upstate New York to Ohio. After two months, on Dec. 16, he was spotted strolling across the University of Memphis campus. Advertisement 8 The story was covered extensiveky by The Post. New York Post 'I'm the guy you're looking for,' he shouted at university cops as they closed in. He then stabbed himself in the neck more than a dozen times with a 3-inch blade. '[He] stated that he cannot believe that he missed [killing himself], because he did research and studied the carotid artery,' cops revealed in a statement follwing his arrest. Advertisement Weeks before the start of his sensational monthlong trial, Braunstein feebly tried hanging himself inside Rikers Island. Prosecutors argued in court Braunstein was self-harming to delay the criminal proceedings. 8 Braunstein spent two months on the run. Shannon DeCelle His lawyers contended he suffered from depression, and claimed he attempted suicide in late 2004 – when he worked for W magazine — by carving into his own chest with a knife. However, he told police Larkworthy had attacked him. 'He was incredibly charming,' Larkworthy — who died of cancer earlier this month — testified in court at his 2007 trial. 'He was incredibly intelligent. And flirtatious. And very intriguing. And very funny. I loved him.' Braunstein was convicted of kidnapping, sexual abuse, robbery and burglary on May 23, 2007. 8 The Post covered Braunstein's every move while he was on the lam. New York Post In sentencing Braunstein to 18 years to life in prison, Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Thomas Farber scolded him for displaying 'true apathy for the victims in this case.' After his conviction, his late mother said she wanted him to kill himself while he was behind bars, believing he'd be unable to adapt to prison life. Advertisement During a jailhouse interview with The Post at Clinton Correctional Facility in upstate Dannemora six months after his sentencing, Braunstein confessed, 'It's a good thing that I'm locked up, because I've been having violent fantasies. I don't know what I'm capable of.' He was unrepentant and even called Larkworthy, his first victim, 'evil incarnate.' 8 Braunstein left a taunting message for his victim on a mirror. William Miller Braunstein made headlines again in 2013 when prison guards swiped his copy of kidnap victim Jaycee Dugard's 2011 autobiography, 'A Stolen Life.' Prison administrators had had banned the book, because Dugard described being sexually assaulted in it. Advertisement Braunstein was also barred in 2013 from reading 'Dark Dreams,' a 2001 book by profiler Roy Hazelwood that explores the minds of sexual predators. In 2014, he sued officials at Dannemora prison for denying him access to 'Cellar of Horror: The Story of Gary Heidnik,' a serial murderer and rapist. He was also barred access to alt-porn website Burning Angel. 8 The multi-state manhunt was front-page news for weeks. New York Post After his 2007 trial, Braunstein also lost a bid seeking the return of bondage pornography investigators had seized from his home. Today, he's being held at Wende Correctional Facility, a maximum secuirty prison in Alden, N.Y. Advertisement Braunstein's bid for freedom comes at a time when New York's Parole Board is under heavy scrutiny for springing 43 cop killers in the past eight years. 8 During his trial, Braunstein expressed no remorse for the vicious attack. NYP Critics say the panel is filled with lefty political has-beens adhering to new rules that now weigh the supposed rehabilitation of criminals in prison more heavily than the heinous nature of their crimes. Advertisement The 16-member board, largely appointed by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, includes the wife of a convicted killer who served more than 30 years behind bars. Victim rights advocates said Braunstein should stay locked up for good. 'This rapist's crimes were exceptionally vicious,' said Jane Manning, director of the group Women's Equal Justice and a former sex crimes prosecutor with the Queens district attorney's office. 'He vowed to reoffend if given a chance. He should never be released.' Additional reporting by Tina Moore
