In a significant development, Britain's youngest female double murderer has been cleared for a move to an open prison. Lorraine Thorpe, who was just 15 years old when she committed the horrific killings in 2009, has received approval from the Parole Board for this transfer, though she remains denied release at this time.
Details of the 2009 Murders
Thorpe, now aged 31, was involved in the brutal murders of two individuals in 2009. Alongside Paul Clarke, a 41-year-old man she met through a social circle of drinkers, Thorpe first targeted Rosalyn Hunt, also 41 and part of the same group. The attack followed a dispute over a dog and escalated into extreme torture.
Rosalyn Hunt endured a savage assault, including being beaten, stamped on, and having her ribs broken. She was also whipped with dog chains and subjected to a particularly cruel act where a cheese grater was used on her, with salt rubbed into the wounds. This torture ultimately led to her death.
Second Murder to Cover Up the First
Days later, Thorpe and Clarke decided to murder Thorpe's father, Desmond Thorpe, aged 43. Their motive was to silence him, fearing he would implicate them in Rosalyn Hunt's murder to the police. Officers quickly linked the two crimes, leading to the arrest of both perpetrators.
At the time of her arrest, Thorpe made a chilling statement to police, saying, 'You'll find my footprint on my dad.' This highlighted the violent nature of the crimes and her involvement.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Following a trial at Ipswich Crown Court, Thorpe was convicted and became Britain's youngest female double murderer. In 2010, she was sentenced at the Old Bailey to a minimum of 14 years in prison. Mr Justice Saunders, QC, presided over the sentencing and described Thorpe as 'stubborn and manipulative.'
The judge noted her troubled upbringing, caring for her alcoholic father in squalid conditions, surrounded by a gang of drunks. He stated, 'She appears to have been left with no real understanding of what is right and what is wrong. She finds violence funny and entertaining.' This background was cited as a factor in her violent behavior.
Co-Perpetrator's Fate
Paul Clarke, Thorpe's accomplice, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 27 years. However, in 2014, he was found dead in his prison cell at HMP Whitemoor in Cambridgeshire, just days before a television programme about the murders was scheduled to air.
Parole Board Decision and Future Prospects
The Parole Board released its decision on Tuesday, stating that Thorpe should not be released but could be transferred to an open prison. This move is intended to test her in less restrictive conditions before any potential release consideration.
The board acknowledged Thorpe's 'general maturation' and noted that she has not shown violence or aggression for many years. They added that her 'risk of violence towards others had reduced by her own actions in custody.' Thorpe will be eligible for another parole review in two years.
This case draws comparisons to other young offenders, such as Mary Bell, who was detained at age 11 in 1968 for manslaughter, but Thorpe remains distinct as the youngest convicted female double murderer in Britain.
