BBC News reporter Shivani Chaudhari has detailed the latest developments surrounding the case of Michael Steele, a convicted killer involved in the infamous Essex Boys gangland murders. Steele, now 82 years old, was sentenced to life in prison in 1998 for the killings of drug dealers Craig Rolfe, Tony Tucker, and Pat Tate in Rettendon, near Chelmsford, in 1995.
Despite never admitting to the crimes, the Parole Board recently considered Steele’s release in February, sparking controversy. However, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has intervened, urging the board to reassess the decision. As a result, Steele’s release has been postponed pending further review of the case.
The tragic incident, known as the Essex Boys killings, has attracted widespread attention through various forms of media over the years, shedding light on the interconnectedness of high-profile homicides and the rave scene of the 1990s. Both Mahmood and the Lord Chancellor have expressed concerns over the rationality of the Parole Board’s initial decision, prioritizing public protection and honoring the memories of the victims – Tony Tucker, Pat Tate, and Craig Rolfe.
Despite being sentenced to life imprisonment alongside Steele in 1998, Jack Whomes, a resident of Brockford in Suffolk, had his prison term reduced in 2018 and was eventually released in 2021. The trial highlighted the brutal events of December 1995, where the three victims were fatally shot after a disagreement about drug dealings. Steele, then 55 and residing in Great Bentley near Colchester, was found guilty of murder and drug-related conspiracies, resulting in a minimum prison term of 23 years, which expired in 2019. However, concerns regarding his potential for reoffending have delayed his release from prison
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