Helen’s killer to keep freedom

A MOTHER whose daughter’s killer was freed despite refusing to reveal where her body is buried has lost a legal bid to have him sent back to jail.

Ian Simms, 64, murdered Helen McCourt, pictured, as the 22year-old walked home from work in Billinge, Merseyside 32 years ago. The former pub landlord has always refused to admit his guilt or disclose where he hid her.

He was released on licence last year despite a campaign by her mother, Marie, 77, to create ‘Helen’s Law’, making it more difficult for killers who refuse to reveal the location of victims to ever be freed. In July, Mrs McCourt launched a judicial review at the High Court, claiming the Parole Board’s decision to release Simms was wrong.

But in a judgment delivered yesterday, judges ruled against Mrs McCourt, refusing her permission to challenge the Parole Board’s decision. They said the Board had ‘adopted a careful and balanced approach’ when considering Simms for release.