Wednesday 19 October 2022 10:13 AM Perverted killer who sexually assaulted and murdered three-year-old girl could ... trends now
A perverted killer who abducted, sexually assaulted and murdered a three-year-old toddler after she went to buy a lolly from an ice cream fan could be freed early next year.
Shane Armstrong, now 60, shocked the nation and faced calls for the death penalty after the horrific murder of little Rosie Palmer in the seaside port town of Hartlepool, County Durham, in June 1994.
Rosie's partially clothed and mutilated body was found stuffed in a bin liner in a flat 50 metres from her home days after he had snatched the child 20 metres from her home.
Armstrong was convicted of Rosie's murder at Leeds Crown Court in July the following year and sentenced to life imprisonment.
In 2006 a High Court judge set the minimum term at 16 years, less 12 months and 21 days Armstrong had spent on remand.
The killer has since had a number of parole hearings, the most recent of which in January last year was rejected.
But the Parole Board has now confirmed a new bid for freedom will be heard early next year, which could see him freed weeks later.
A spokesperson said: 'We can confirm the parole review of Shaun Armstrong has been referred to the Parole Board by the Secretary of State for Justice and is following standard processes.
Shane Armstrong, now 60, shocked the nation and faced calls for the death penalty after the horrific murder of little Rosie Palmer
'A hearing is expected to take place early next year with a decision shortly thereafter.
'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
