Killer freed but victim’s family are not told

A convicted killer has gone on the run just weeks after being freed from jail – as it emerged his victim’s family did not even know of his release.

Mark Woolley, 52, is the subject of a nationwide manhunt after breaching the terms of his parole by failing to keep in touch with probation officers.

the killer, who ran over BBc costume designer elizabeth Sherlock in April 2001, served almost 17 years before being freed on life licence in november.

He was supposed to have been under supervision but was last seen by probation officers on January 31.

Woolley mowed down Mrs Sherlock, 42, outside London’s euston Station while acting as a getaway driver for his girlfriend, Jackie Moorehouse, after she stole the designer’s handbag.

Last night, it emerged that Mrs Sherlock’s sisters Janet, 67, and Susan, 69, had not even been made aware of Woolley’s release, or the fact he was on the run.

A source close to the family said: ‘Both sisters are shocked. they know they don’t keep murderers in prison for life any more – but had not even been informed he was out of jail.’

the Ministry of Justice said: ‘offenders released on licence are subject to strict conditions, and anyone breaking these faces being immediately returned to prison.’