ONE of Britain’s longest serving prisoners, a serial killer dubbed the “Devil’s Disciple”, has been refused parole more than 50 years after a string of brutal killings that shocked the nation.
It comes three years after The Sun revealed how was being allowed back on the streets on day release.
Serial killer dubbed the ‘Devil’s Disciple’ has been refused parole more than 50 years after a string of brutal killings that shocked the nation Credit: Alamy
One of the most disturbing cases involved Father Anthony Crean, a Catholic priest who had previously tried to help him Credit: PA
Our photos showed him sauntering through Bristol city centre sporting a baseball cap and goatee beard, despite a history of sudden violence against frail pensioners and children.
has now rejected Mackay’s latest bid for release following a hearing earlier this year, concluding it was “not satisfied that release at this point would be safe for the protection of the public.”
The decision means will remain behind bars after serving more than five decades in custody.
was jailed in 1975 after admitting responsibility for multiple killings carried out across west London and surrounding areas.
He targeted vulnerable victims, often gaining access to their homes before launching frenzied and violent assaults.
Among those he killed was 84-year-old widow Isabella Griffiths, who was beaten, strangled and stabbed in her Chelsea home.
Another victim, Adele Price, was murdered in similar circumstances after Mackay forced his way inside.
One of the most disturbing cases involved Father Anthony Crean, a Catholic priest who had previously tried to help him.
Among those he killed was 84-year-old widow Isabella Griffiths, who was beaten, strangled and stabbed in her Chelsea home Credit: Getty
Another victim, Adele Price, was murdered in similar circumstances after Mackay forced his way inside Credit: Getty
The priest was attacked with an axe in his own home, in a killing that ultimately led to arrest.
A summary of the parole decision reveals the panel described his original offences as “horrific and brutal”, adding that “the motivation and triggers that led to those offences are still, to a large extent, not understood”.
The hearing saw evidence from probation officers, prison officials and psychologists, as well as himself.
He had indicated through his legal team that he hoped to be released.
Three years ago The Sun revealed how Patrick Mackay was being allowed back on the streets on day release
Our photos showed him in Bristol city centre chatting away with unsuspecting members of the public
But the panel concluded that too many questions remain about his behaviour and risk.
It found that “no one would know how he might respond to the challenges he might face on release”, and warned that “his risk of reoffending [is] difficult to assess.”
has now served well beyond his original 20-year minimum term, which expired in 1995, and this was his 13th parole review.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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