Helen McCourt killer Ian Simms released from jail despite family campaign
Written by News on 06/02/2020
A murderer who has refused to reveal the whereabouts of his victim’s body has been released from prison.
Ian Simms, 63, had been serving a life sentence for the abduction and murder of insurance clerk Helen McCourt.
Ms McCourt, 22, disappeared on her way home from work in Liverpool in 1988.
Simms was convicted on DNA evidence but has always maintained his innocence.
Ms McCourt’s body has never been found.
The Parole Board recommended Simms should be released following a hearing in November.
The board reviewed its decision after a challenge from Justice Secretary Robert Buckland, but concluded, on 8 January, that Simms should be set free.
Helen’s mother, Marie McCourt, and her family have also launched a legal challenge and her lawyers argued Simms should stay behind bars ahead of a judicial review of the Parole Board decision.
On Wednesday, a Ministry of Justice spokesman said: “We completely understand the pain and anguish that the Parole Board’s decision has caused Marie McCourt and her family.
“The Lord Chancellor asked the Parole Board to reconsider but has no legal power to overrule these decisions.
“The High Court’s ruling meant we had to release Ian Simms from custody though he will be recalled if the court later decides to quash the Parole Board’s decision.
“He will be on licence for life, subject to strict conditions and probation supervision when released, and he faces a return to prison if he fails to comply.”
Mrs McCourt has campaigned for a law keeping killers locked up until they lead police to a victim’s body but the bill, known as Helen’s Law, has not been ratified by parliament, being delayed twice due to general elections.
(c) Sky News 2020: Helen McCourt killer Ian Simms released from jail despite family campaign
