Garry Newlove's widow speaks of distress at prospect of his killers' release next year

The widow of Garry Newlove, who was kicked to death by a gang of teenagers outside his family home, has spoken of her anguish at the prospect of his killers’ release next year.

Baroness Helen Newlove said she felt helpless at the parole hearing for her husband’s murderers, who have been moved to an open prison ahead of their potential release next year.

“Release is a painful part of the victim journey,” she told the Mirror. “You know it must happen but it does not make it any easier. It’s just so painful.”

Garry Newlove was attacked by a gang of teenagers in 2007 after he confronted them as they vandalised his car. He died three days later in hospital.

In January 2008 teenagers Stephen Sorton, Adam Swellings and Jordan Cunliffe were jailed for life over his murder.

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But Cunliffe, 26, and Sorton, 28 could be released from prison next year – 12 years after they battered Mr Newlove to death.

Mr Newlove’s widow, who has campaigned against alcohol-related violence, said it had been difficult not being able to address her husband’s killers directly at their parole hearings last year.

“You can only read your submitted statement,” she said. “You cannot deviate from the script. There are no questions. For me it was frustrating.”

Swellings, Sorton and Cunliffe were 19, 17 and 16 respectively when they were jailed. Swellings had been released from custody for assault just hours before the attack.

A Parole Board spokeswoman told the Mirror: “In 2017 the Board ­recommended Stephen Sorton and Jordan Cunliffe were suitable for a move to open conditions.”