Family in fear as notorious killer and fugitive may be released from prison
One of Britain’s most notorious killer-fugitives could be released early from jail following the brutal murder of his former girlfriend in Portsmouth in 1996, The News has learned.
Victor Farrant was Britain’s most wanted man after going on the run following the horrific murder of accountant Glenda Hoskins at her Port Solent home on February 7, 1996, before he was finally caught.
Despite being handed a life sentence for which he was never meant to be released from jail, Farrant could now be freed on compassionate grounds due to him being diagnosed with terminal cancer, leaving the victim’s family “petrified”.
Iain Hoskins, Mrs Hoskins' eldest son, said the family are desperately trying to stop his release, with them believing the “dangerous” and “vengeful” murderer could strike again – putting them and the public at risk. It is not known where Farrant, formerly of North End, might go if released.
The family said a decision on his release could be made as early as next week – leaving them hardly any time to come to terms with the shocking turn of events.
Farrant will not even be subject to the usual parole hearing to determine whether his release is safe, the family have said. The Ministry of Justice said any final decision would rest with the secretary of state.
In an email seen by The News, the Probation Service has written to the family asking them of possible exclusion zones they would like in the event the killer is released.
A public protection meeting is scheduled to take place next week which could decide whether Farrant is released.
Iain, speaking of the bombshell development, told The News: “My siblings and I, who were 13, 15 and 21 at the time that our mother was brutally murdered, have rebuilt our lives safe in the knowledge that he would remain behind bars forever.
“But this week we’ve received startling information from our victim liaison officer that due to his ill health he is being considered for early release so that he can be cared for outside of prison.
“His release would cause huge anxiety and fear to us
His release would cause huge anxiety and fear to us and our families
and our families. We would be extremely scared to have him set free.
“It seems that again this vile man is being released early without serving his full sentence – and this time without any parole hearing. My family is petrified.”
The news that Farrant has terminal cancer has not provided any comfort to the family. “He’s been let out to die because he has terminal cancer, apparently, but we have no detail as to what that actually means – some people can live 10 years with such a diagnosis,” Iain said.
Farrant, a Portsmouth labourer, drowned Mrs Hoskins, a 45-year-old mum of three, under water in the bath after demanding sex from his ex-girlfriend.
Prior to the killing, Farrant was jailed for 12 years in 1988 for rape and GBH.
Just a month after his release on December 27, 1995, Farrant attacked a sex worker with bottles and an iron.
Farrant then became Britain’s most high-profile fugitive killer after going on the run in Europe.
Portsmouth North MP Penny Mordaunt is also calling for Farrant to remain behind bars. She told The News: “This man has a pattern of appalling violence against women, including extremely violent assault leaving life-changing injuries and the murder of Glenda Hoskins. He received a life sentence and I think the public would expect him to serve it.”