Child murderer back in prison 23 days after release

The BBC has confirmed Edwin Hopkins is back behind bars

The killer of a 15-year-old schoolgirl has been sent back to prison 23 days after his release.

Edwin Hopkins murdered Naomi Smith in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, in 1995 and was released in December after almost 27 years in prison.

The Coventry Telegraph reported he was back behind bars on Tuesday and this has been confirmed by the BBC.

He had been released in December despite concerns being raised by MPs.

The Probation Service has a long-standing policy of not commenting on individual prisoners but a spokesperson said protecting the public was its priority.

"That’s why we set tough licence conditions and when offenders breach them we don’t hesitate to return them to custody," a statement read.

Naomi's mutilated body was found dumped on a childrens' playground on in September 1995.

Hopkins has always denied murder but was found guilty in January 1997 and served nearly 27 years before the parole board agreed he could be freed.

The body of Naomi Smith was found on a playground

Luke Evans, MP for Bosworth, raised the issue in Parliament last week.

He said he and the neighbouring MP for Nuneaton, Marcus Jones, had concerns about Hopkins' release.

Justice Secretary Alex Chalk said the murder was truly dreadful and he understood fears about the release of prisoners who've committed heinous offences.

Mr Chalk said upcoming reforms would ensure public safety was at the forefront of parole decisions.

He explained this would be done by codifying a release test in law and introducing new powers to allow the secretary of state to direct a second check on the release of serious offenders.