Murderer poses clear threat if freed, family warns

Farrant poses a 'clear threat' to the public, Mrs Hoskins' children said

A murderer serving a whole-life sentence "poses a clear and present threat to the public" if he is released, his victim's children have warned.

Victor Farrant was jailed for life at Winchester Crown Court in 1998 for the murder of former girlfriend Glenda Hoskins, 44, and the attempted murder of Ann Fidler, 45, in Hampshire.

Mrs Hoskins' family revealed last month they had been contacted by officials saying Farrant was being considered for compassionate release due to a diagnosis of terminal cancer.

The family said the case had been passed on to the prison governor to decide whether to make a formal application for his release.

When he sentenced Farrant, Mr Justice Butterfield said he was so dangerous that he should "never be released".

Farrant drowned Glenda Hoskins in the bath of her home in Portsmouth

In a statement, Mrs Hoskins' three children - Iain, Katie and David Hoskins - thanked the public and MPs Penny Mordaunt, Kim Johnson and Flick Drummond for their support.

"We are saddened and angry that [Farrant's] release is even being considered and he has shown no remorse for his string of crimes and terrorisation of women," they said.

In a previous statement, the Ministry of Justice said prisoners were only released on compassionate grounds "in exceptional circumstances following strict risk assessments", adding that no formal application had been made in Farrant's case.