‘Essex Boys’ killer’s prison release challenged by Justice Secretary

The Justice Secretary is challenging the decision to release from prison a man convicted of the “Essex Boys” gangland murders.

Michael Steele was jailed for life in 1998 for the killings of Tony Tucker, Pat Tate and Craig Rolfe, which he denied, alongside co-defendant Jack Whomes.

The three men were found shot dead in a Range Rover in Rettendon, near Chelmsford, Essex, in 1995.

The killings took place after a row over a drug deal, prosecutors said, and the case later inspired the 2000 film Essex Boys, starring Sean Bean.

But Shabana Mahmood has asked for his case to be reviewed again on the grounds the decision was legally irrational.

A Ministry of Justice spokeswoman said: “Our thoughts remain with the families of Tony Tucker, Pat Tate and Craig Rolfe.

“Public protection is our first priority.

“After careful consideration, the Lord Chancellor has asked the Parole Board to reconsider its decision to release Michael Steele from prison.”

If the Parole Board accepts the application from the Justice Secretary, the decision will be reviewed and it could include a further hearing.

Steele will be released on licence if the independent body rejects the request.

A Parole Board spokesman confirmed the application had been received and that it will be “considered as soon as possible”.

“If the application is granted, the case will be sent for another parole review, which will be arranged as a priority,” the spokesman added.

“If the application is refused the member will provide published written reasons for why the decision was not reconsidered.”

The decision to release Steele came in the second review by the Parole Board following the end of his initial minimum term of 23 years’ imprisonment.

He had not been assessed as suitable for formal risk-reduction interventions while in prison, “partly through lack of need and partly because he had maintained his innocence of involvement in the murders”, the Parole Board’s summary said.

It added that risk factors for Steele at the time of his offending included his “criminal lifestyle, involvement with drugs and association with the wrong people”.

Strict licence conditions were set out for Steele, including to live at a designated address, be of good behaviour, provide financial and business details, give up his passport, and be subject to electronic tagging and a specified curfew.

There are additional restrictions relating to the use of electronic technology, contact with the media or other publications, and not to own a boat, plane or firearm.

The Parole Board decided Whomes, then aged 59, could be released in 2021.