Killer who carved swastikas on victim should be freed from prison, parole board says

A sadistic killer who was jailed for life after carving swastikas on his victim’s body has been cleared to be freed into the community by the Parole Board.

Stephen Ling, a farm worker who raped and stabbed Joanne Tulip 60 times at his home in Stamfordham, Northumberland, on Christmas Day 1997 has been recommended for release by the board despite a campaign by her family to keep him behind bars.

Ms Tulip’s mother, Doreen Soulsby, has been fighting against the release of Ling, who was convicted of the rape and murder of her 29-year-old daughter, for 26 years.

She successfully persuaded Dominic Raab, then the justice secretary, to block Ling’s attempt to move to an open prison in 2022 – the first time such powers had been used.

However, at a Parole Board hearing in July, two psychologists said they were recommending that Ling should be released, although they added that he should be placed on a risk-management plan.

Psychologist A said she believed the risk Ling posed was “not imminent” and was “manageable in the community”, adding: “I believe that now means his risk is at a level where he does not need to be kept in prison any more.”

After luring her to his home, Ling raped Ms Tulip, a hairdresser, before stabbing her 60 times. He carved images on her body including swastikas and crosses.

Although he was jailed for life, the minimum term he had to serve was set at 18 years, meaning he could apply for parole every two years from that point.

Justice Secretary urged to intervene

Mrs Soulsby urged Shabana Mahmood, the Justice Secretary, to intervene and use her legal powers to force the Parole Board to reconsider its decision. Ms Mahmood cannot overrule the decision, but can request a rethink.

“I’m absolutely appalled and disgusted the Parole Board have made the recommended decision to release my daughter’s murderer into the community,” said Mrs Soulsby.

“That man committed horrific offences against my daughter and yet is deemed to not be a high risk and is safe to be released from prison. It’s outrageous.

“How can the Parole Board believe this man doesn’t pose a danger to society when he took my daughter away from her family by committing the most brutal and sadistic crimes? Ling needs to stay locked up behind bars – he is a danger to all women and girls.

“The Government are supposedly committed to halving violence against women and girls. If they are true to their word, then they will block this recommendation and will keep Ling in a closed prison.

“If Ling is released and the Justice Secretary does not take action, there will be public outcry, and confidence in the justice system will be severely damaged and will never be restored.”

Required to wear GPS electronic tag

In its published ruling, the board said it had concluded that Ling posed a medium risk of causing serious harm but was unlikely to do so unless there was a “significant change” in his circumstances.

“The panel considered the type of significant change of circumstance which could lead to an increase in his risk would be something that happened over a long period of time, and that warning signs would be apparent to those supervising him before his risk increased to a level that may result in harm to others,” it said.

Ling will be required to wear a GPS electronic tag for a year and live in designated accommodation. He will be subject to strict limits on his contacts, activities and movements including an exclusion zone to prevent him from contacting the victim’s family.

Police and probation officers are also allowed to check his internet use.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Joanne Tulip at this difficult time.

“The Lord Chancellor’s first priority is keeping the public safe. She has asked officials to scrutinise whether the decision should be returned to the Parole Board to reconsider.”