Handyman who murdered four people near Fordingbridge denied parole
George Stephenson carried out his crimes in 1986
A handyman who murdered four people at a country house near Fordingbridge after being sacked has lost his bid to be freed from jail.
George Stephenson killed husband and wife Joseph and Hilda Cleaver, their son Tom and family nurse Margaret Murphy at Burgate House in 1986, when he was aged 36.
At his initial sentencing, the judge recommended a minimum term of 25 years, but his tariff was later raised by the then home secretary to 35 years.
A Parole Board panel has decided the now 72-year-old's release would be a risk to the public.
Another man was convicted of killing of Tom's wife Wendy.
The daughter and granddaughter of the victims has described the decision as a relief.
In a statement today (Thursday 21st December), Tom Cleaver's daughter Melissa Cleaver said:
"We cannot express how relieved we are to learn that George Stephenson's bid for parole has been refused. My mother endured a sadistic, brutal gang rape and indescribable torture before finally being strangled to death.
"My father, grandparents and Maggie were bound, gagged, doused in petrol and set alight, still alive and conscious. They lived for several minutes.
"My father, his charred flesh peeling from his body, had dragged himself into an adjacent bathroom in a vain attempt to escape.
"Our beautiful dog was clubbed with a pickaxe so violently that she had to be put down."
A spokesperson for the Parole Board said:
“We can confirm that a panel of the Parole Board refused the release of George Stephenson following an oral hearing. The panel also refused to recommend a move to open prison.
“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.
"Under current legislation he will be eligible for a further review in due course. The date of the next review will be set by the Ministry of Justice.”
Ms Cleaver has previously called for Stephenson to be denied freedom, describing him as ringleader in one of the most heinous crimes in history.