I’ll be lonely...don’t free me after 52 years, pleads killer
for release in 1983, Fairfax refused to admit to the killing and was kept in jail.
His release has continued to be denied during subsequent hearings.When he was recommended for release in 1991, his eighth parole hearing, it was again denied.
Devastated by the refusal, he absconded during home leave and spent three years on the run.
He lived as Thomas Fairfax in the Gloucestershire village of Lydney, fewer than 10 miles from the prison where he had been held. His freedom came to an end when he was arrested at his home in 1994 on his 53rd birthday. He later went on to admit carrying out the murder but his release continued to be blocked.
He is one of Europe’s longest serving lifers but is in frail health following cancer treatment and suffering a series of minor strokes.
His good behaviour means he is entitled to privileges. He said: “I’d never be lonely here. There are so many people. I have a life here and I don’t want to lose that.”
The National
Probation
Service said a Parole Board decision is solely focused on whether a prisoner would represent a significant risk to the public after release and whether the risk can be managed safely in the community.
A spokesman for the service said: “The Parole Board will take into account a prisoner’s thoughts and views.
“However, if the prisoner satisfies the statutory test, the panel will make a direction for his release, which it is compelled to do by law.”