Decision to release 'wicked' Wakefield sex killer Stephen Hughes from prison was based on Parole Board 'speculation'

For almost a quarter of a century, Hughes has refused to accept his guilt over the brutal killing of his son's teenage girlfriend Rachel Barraclough.Hughes has also refused to take part in programmes designed to address his offending behaviour and to assess his risk to the public while in custody.

Rachel was sexually assaulted and stabbed to death by Hughes, her boyfriend's dad, on a tow path near to the River Calder in Wakefield, after he lured her to the city to meet him.

A judge who gave Hughes a life sentence told him he hoped the would never be released from prison.

At the time of the murder in September 1997, Hughes' 'risk factors' included him showing a willingness to use weapons and violence, thinking he had the right to have sex whenever he wanted, alcohol misuse and him not caring about what he had done to his victim.

A Parole Board panel approved his release under 'strict' licence conditions at a hearing on July 12 this year.

Hughes' case was referred to the Parole Board by the Secretary of State for Justice to determine whether he could be safely released on licence.

The panel could only direct release if it was satisfied that it was no longer necessary for the protection of the public that Hughes remained confined in prison.

Hughes was transferred to an open prison in December 2020 after a previous Parole Board hearing.

Following the transfer, Hughes has been able to go on 'town visits'.

The July hearing was conducted by video-link with all those involved

Panel members considered a dossier prepared by the Secretary of State.

They also heard evidence from Hughes’ probation officer and an official supervising his case in prison.

Hughes, who was legally represented at the hearing, also gave evidence to the panel.

He told the panel that he hoped to be released as a result of the review.

A victim personal statement from Rachel's family was also read out on their behalf, describing their suffering as a result of Hughes' offending.

Hughes received a mandatory life sentence when he was sentenced on September 24, 1998.

He was 47 years old at the time he was sentenced and was aged 70 when his case was reviewed.

It was his third review by the Parole Board since his minimum tariff period expired in September 2015, meaning Hughes has spent almost an additional seven years in prison for the protection of the public.

The Parole Board summary document states: "Mr Hughes has maintained throughout his sentence that he was innocent of the index offence.

"As a result of this stance he has declined to undertake any work to address areas of risk, including programmes that can work with those prisoners who deny their offences.

"Consequently, an accurate assessment of the risks posed by Mr Hughes has been difficult and relies upon speculation as to the background to the offending."

The panel considered risk factors linked to Hughes' offending.

The report says: "At the time of his offending, risk factors which are likely to have had relevance to the offending had included a willingness to use violence and weapons, potentially thinking he had the right to have sex as and when he wanted, not caring about the effects of his actions on the victim and possibly misuse of alcohol.

"Evidence was presented at the hearing regarding Mr Hughes’ progress and custodial conduct during this sentence.

"The panel heard how well Mr Hughes had demonstrated application of relevant skills and learning while in custody. Witnesses recommended release.

"In this case, protective factors which would reduce the risk of reoffending were considered to be following the rules in prison, being willing and able to ask for help, not being aggressive while in prison, his age and not drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs in prison."

The panel said it was satisfied that Hughes was suitable for release.

His licence conditions require him to:

- Live at a designated address

- Be of good behaviour

- Disclose developing relationships.

- Report as required for supervision or other appointments.

- Submit to an enhanced form of monitoring, including a curfew.