Jack Shepherd, a web designer, was locked up for the manslaughter of Charlotte Brown, who was thrown from the speedboat when Shepherd crashed on the River Thames
Speedboat killer Jack Shepherd could be freed again within months after being granted a new parole bid, it is reported.
Shepherd was released halfway through a ten-year sentence for the manslaughter of Charlotte Brown in his boat and later attacking a barman. However, last month, the 38-year-old man was hauled back to jail for breaching the terms of his release, the details of which were unclear.
But the web designer, originally from Exeter, Devon, has now been given a chance for freedom again when he goes before a panel, with a hearing likely before Christmas. If successful, he will be back on the streets weeks later.
It is likely to cause anger among Ms Brown’s family, who had said jail was “the best place” for Shepherd when he was recalled to jail in September. The woman’s dad, Graham, had said: “He’s back where he belongs. Prison is the best place for this man. I’ve always believed that Shepherd is a narcissist.”
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Shepherd was jailed for six years over the death of Ms Brown. He had taken the 24-year-old woman on a champagne-fuelled first date date and tried to show off to her by taking her on his small red speedboat, which lacked basic safety features.
Ms Brown was thrown from the poorly-maintained 14ft boat on the River Thames and drowned. Shepherd, who lived on a houseboat in Hammersmith, west London, was rescued from the icy waters in December 2015.
Rather than explain his actions, cowardly Shepherd went on the run to Georgia, and was eventually tried in absence in July 2018. Now though, it is understood the one-time fugitive will argue he is no longer a danger to the public and should be allowed his freedom again.
Ms Brown’s family are yet to comment publicly on the latest development but, in January, the woman’s mum, Roz Wickens, spoke about her continued anguish. The 58-year-old woman told the Daily Mail: “I will continue to want to know what happened on the fateful night Charlotte was taken away from us, but I don’t think I ever will.
“Only he knows what really happened as Charlotte cannot speak for herself. But if he came out with anything now, I wouldn’t know if it was true because of all the stories he has told.
“JS will never tell the truth and I feel that the truth may implicate him further. He will never know or fully understand the true devastation he has caused me and my family.”
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A spokesperson for the Parole Board said: “We can confirm the parole review of Jack Shepherd has been referred to the Parole Board by the Secretary of State for Justice and is following standard processes.
“Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community.
“A panel will carefully examine a huge range of evidence, including details of the original crime, and any evidence of behaviour change, as well as explore the harm done and impact the crime has had on the victims.
“Members read and digest hundreds of pages of evidence and reports in the lead up to an oral hearing. Evidence from witnesses such as probation officers, psychiatrists and psychologists, officials supervising the offender in prison as well as victim personal statements may be given at the hearing.
“It is standard for the prisoner and witnesses to be questioned at length during the hearing which often lasts a full day or more. Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority.”