Parole board asked to reconsider murderer's release

A public parole hearing was held in July, although Ling was allowed to give his evidence in private

The Parole Board has been asked to reconsider its decision to release a killer who stabbed a woman 60 times.

Steven Ling was jailed for life in 1998 for murdering 29-year-old Joanne Tulip in Stamfordham, Northumberland, on Christmas Day the previous year.

Ministry of Justice officials were asked to scrutinise whether the decision to release him should be returned to the board, following a parole hearing in July.

Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said: "Public protection is my first priority."

She added: "After careful consideration, I have asked the Parole Board to reconsider its decision to release Steven Ling from prison.

"My thoughts remain with the family and friends of Joanne Tulip whose life was taken in a truly horrifying attack."

Joanne Tulip was described as "very caring" and someone who "never missed a birthday", by her mother

Ling was initially ordered to serve at least 20 years behind bars but, in 2009, a High Court judge cut the minimum term to 18 years.

A charge of rape was left on file.

Even though July’s hearing was public, Ling was allowed to give his evidence in private.

Ms Tulip's mother, Doreen Soulsby, has welcomed the Lord Chancellor's decision.

"I strongly disagreed with the Parole Board's decision to release Ling straight into the community," she said.

"This is a man who committed the most horrific sadistic crimes against my daughter, including stabbing her 60 times and raping her, after having consumed a significant amount of alcohol."

Joanne Tulip's mother Doreen Soulsby believes Ling will harm other women if released

Hetti Barkworth-Nanton, who chairs the domestic violence charity Refuge, said Ling had committed "the most heinous of crimes".

"Today's request from the justice secretary shows a commitment that violence against women and girls must be taken seriously and dangerous men cannot be allowed to walk free having not served all their prison sentence," she said.

The Parole Board will now have to decide whether to accept the request that it reviews its recommendation.

Ling has remained in custody in the meantime.