Tuesday 1 November 2022 08:01 PM Bitter husband, 82, who murdered four of his nieces and nephews will get a ... trends now
A bitter husband who murdered four of his nieces and nephews by pouring petrol though a letterbox in a twisted revenge attack because his wife left him will have a parole hearing in the new year.
Fred Heyworth, then 59, was jailed for life in 1997 for starting the fire that killed Terry, 12, Alison, 10, Nicola, eight, and six-year-old Patrick Good as they slept in the family's home in Southampton.
Heyworth was angry because his wife Janette had left him and moved in with her sister Beverley and husband Melvyn and he believed his sister-in-law had been partly responsible for his marriage breaking up.
The killer - a Freemason - was found guilty of four counts of murder at Winchester Crown Court in May 1997 when the judge stated: 'What evil brainstorm prompted you to act as you did we shall never know.'
But Heyworth, now 82, could be freed next year with a parole hearing due to take place in May.
Fred Heyworth, then 59, was jailed for life in 1997 for starting the fire that killed Terry, 12, Alison, 10, Nicola, eight, and six-year-old Patrick Good as they slept in the family's home
Heyworth was angry because his wife Janette (pictured) had left him and moved in with her sister
A spokesperson for the Parole Board said: 'We can confirm the parole review of Fred Heyworth has been referred to the Parole Board by the Secretary of State for Justice and is following standard processes. A hearing is expected to take place in May 2023.
'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.'
If successful in his parole bid, Heyworth would be released on licence by next summer.
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