Anger after killer let out of jail to fetch his new car

A CONVICTED killer was allowed out of jail to get a new car while serving a life sentence for murder.

Christopher Jones parked his smart saloon outside the prison gates ready for his release on parole.

When the day came Jones, 34, hopped into the silver Honda Civic and drove away to freedom.

His victim’s family say they are living in fear now that Jones is out and has a set of wheels.

And an MP has criticised the Ministry of Justice for letting Jones get himself a car and insure it while still behind bars.

Jones and his brother Stuart were jailed for life in 2005 for the horrific murder of Cardiff mum of three Shirley Oliver, 42.

The pair offered her a lift home from a pub then strangled her and beat her to death in a dark alleyway.

Jailing the pair at Cardiff Crown Court, Judge John Griffiths Williams QC said they were guilty of a “callous and cold-blooded killing”.

Christopher Jones was given the car as a homecoming present by his family ready for his release from HMP Prescoed, near Pontypool.

He parked it in the prison car park where the Governor and wardens leave their vehicles.

A prison insider said: “This happened with the full knowledge of the prison authorities, they encouraged it.

“It’s a nicer model than some of the staff drive.

“I feel sorry for the family of the poor woman he murdered – it must hurt to see him drive away from a life sentence as if nothing has happened.”

Jones left the prison dressed in a designer shirt and trainers and with a mobile phone tucked in his pocket.

Shirley Oliver’s daughter Stephanie Davis, 34, was furious when she heard Jones had casually driven away to a new life.

She said: “How can someone serving life be allowed to pop out of jail to get a car? It is wrong.

“He murdered my mum and just 13 years later he is allowed out and a new life is served up to him on a plate.”

Mum-of-three Stephanie campaigned 13 Penlline rd Whitchurch, Cardiff CF14 2AA 02920 628479 for both brothers to be kept in high security prisons saying a life sentence should mean life.

She said: “Those two monsters ended my beautiful mother’s life in the most brutal, sadistic way, she did not stand a chance against them.

“All I know is that the pain never, ever goes away – it is a life sentence that will never end for me and my brother and sister.

“Just because someone spends 13 years behind a prison wall doesn’t make them sorry for what they did.

“How can we know for certain Christopher Jones is rehabilitated?”

Jones’ older brother Stuart, 44, is still locked up but due for parole in 2020.

Monmouth MP David Davies, whose constituency covers HMP Prescoed, said: “It doesn’t surprise me that a prisoner can walk out and buy a car, the place is more of a camp than a jail.

“I’ve been in there many times and you would not think you were inside a jail.

“The reality is that all prisoners get let out after serving half their sentence – we need to look at that.”

The car was bought for Jones by a member of his family and the keys were held by prison wardens until his release.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: “The release of life sentenced prisoners is a matter for the independent Parole Board.

“On release these offenders will be on licence for life and subject to supervision and a strict set of conditions.

“If they breach their licence conditions they can be recalled to prison.” 151 Crwys Road, Cardiff CF24 4NH 029 2034 3705