Yahoo News Newcastle knife killer Philip Craggs to stay behind bars after parole board decides he is not safe to release
Knife killer Philip Craggs must stay behind bars after it was decided his release would be too risky. But the murderer, who stabbed young dad-to-be Paul Gilbert to death in 2008, will now be moved to an open prison following a parole hearing last month.
Craggs knifed Paul to death after the 22-year-old accidentally bumped into him outside an off-licence in Walker, Newcastle, Newcastle Crown Court heard.
The senseless street attack happened soon after Paul's partner had discovered they were expecting their first child, and the excited prospective father had been proudly carrying a copy of his son's scan picture with him when he was stabbed.
Craggs, of Emily Street, Walker, was jailed for life after he admitted murder. The judge set a minimum jail term of 15 and a half years meaning he is now eligible to apply for parole. However, at a hearing last month members of the Parole Board decided 40-year-old Craggs' release would not be safe.
A summary of the hearing says: "As required by law, Mr Craggs's case was referred to the Parole Board by the Secretary of State for Justice to determine whether he could be safely released on parole licence. If not, the panel should consider whether transfer to open conditions could be recommended.
"After considering the circumstances of his offending, the progress made while in custody and the evidence presented at the hearing, the panel was not satisfied that release at this point would be safe for the protection of the public. However, on considering the criteria for recommending placement in open conditions, the panel recommended that Mr Craggs should be progressed in this way. It is now for the Secretary of State to decide whether he accepts the Parole Board’s recommendation."
A row broke out after Paul bumped into Craggs, who was with his twin brother Mark, on Welbeck Road, on February 13, 2008. The court heard how Paul "foolishly" said he would fight the brothers, but he fled when Phillip Craggs brandished his knife. Paul repeatedly said he was sorry as he ran for his life, but he was tripped and overpowered. Craggs then stabbed him three times.
Despite his horrific injuries Paul was able to stagger to nearby Alfred Street. But he soon collapsed. Paul spent more than two weeks in a coma after the brutal attack, before he died on February 28.
Mark Craggs, then of Willington Quay, Wallsend, admitted affray after tripping Paul which allowed his brother to catch and kill him. He was jailed for 21 months.
Paul’s son was born six months after the fatal attack. He was named Paul junior after the dad he will never meet.
The parole hearing heard how Craggs had made "progress" while in prison and showed "motivation to change". He will be able to apply for parole again in the future.
