No parole for man who murdered motorcycle police officer
A BIRMINGHAM police killer’s latest bid for freedom has failed after he was refused parole.
Nicholas Walters has served over two decades behind bars for the murder of Pc Malcolm Walker in Birmingham.
The 46-year-old traffic policeman, affectionately known as ‘Mac’, had responded to reports of a stolen car, which he spotted speeding through a red traffic light in the city. Walters, who was behind the wheel of the stolen vehicle, deliberately rammed it into the rear of the officer’s motorbike and drove off.
Pc Walker was thrown from his motorbike into a concrete bollard in Perry Barr, in October 2001.
Walters, then aged 22, from Lozells, was later jailed for life to serve a minimum term of 18 years in prison.
A Parole Board spokesperson said: “We can confirm that a panel of the Parole Board refused the release of Nicholas Walters following an oral hearing in February 2023. 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.
“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. Protecting the public is our number one priority.”
Two years ago, at a 20th anniversary memorial event, Sergeant Chris Thomas from the force traffic unit said: “Twenty years ago we lost a true hero.
“I worked with Mac and was the second car at the scene the day he died. This was the most harrowing day of my 25-year career and a day that will be with me forever.”