Ayrshire teenager Michelle Stewart's killer denied parole
It's the third time John Wilson has failed in his bid for freedom
Last updated 8th Mar 2023
The family of murdered Ayrshire teenager Michelle Stewart say they’re delighted and relieved after his bid for parole was turned down.
John Wilson stabbed 17-year-old Michelle ten times in the East Ayrshire village of Drongan in 2008.
He was sentenced to serve 12 years' minimum jail time after he pleaded guilty to her murder in March 2009.
Wilson appeared before the parole board on Wednesday but had his bid for freedom turned down. It’s the third time he has had parole refused.
Michelle’s sister Lisa tells Clyde 1 News she is pleased with the decision: “We’re delighted that the parole board has refused John Wilson’s release on this occasion again.
“It brings a sense of relief to us that he remains locked up in jail.”
Lisa and her family are continuing with their Michelle’s Law campaign, to give victims and their families more of a voice in the justice system.
It includes calls to tighten rules around exclusion zones, to stop criminals being released back into the same communities as their victims.
The campaign also calls for better communication with victims and their families on parole decisions.
Lisa says there have been improvements since Wilson’s first two parole hearings, but that there is still work to be done.
“We’ve not been given any information as to how to why the parole board came to this decision as yet.
“I have requested a summary of minutes, which victims and their families can request from parole hearings.
“This is one of the changes that was brought in after we had campaigned for Michelle’s Law.”
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