The mother of a young woman with learning difficulties who was brutally tortured and murdered has been left devastated after discovering one of the killers could soon be walking free.
A Mother's Heartbreak
Susan Prince, 75, was horrified to learn that Joe Boyer, one of the men convicted of killing her 27-year-old daughter Gemma Hayter, is scheduled to be moved to an open prison. This transfer is a significant step that could lead to his eventual release back into the community.
Susan told the Mirror she had not been officially informed about Boyer's move, describing the news as a "huge shock". She said, "This is heartbreaking. I was under the impression he'd be in prison until next year when there would be a parole hearing."
The Shocking 2010 Murder
Gemma Hayter's murder in 2010 sent shockwaves across Britain. The 27-year-old from Rugby, Warwickshire, who had learning difficulties, was subjected to a prolonged and savage attack by a group she had considered friends.
The court heard how Gemma was humiliated in one of their flats, where her head was smashed against a radiator with such force that it broke her nose. Later, the group took her to a disused railway bank, placed a bin liner over her head, and stabbed and stamped on her. They stripped her naked and left her face down, later setting her clothes alight. The cause of death was determined to be drowning in her own blood.
The gang, who had befriended Gemma and made her steal for them, were brought to justice in 2011.
Justice and the Path to Release
In 2011, Joe Boyer, Chantelle Booth, and Daniel Newstead were found guilty of Gemma's murder and received life sentences. Two other teenagers in their circle, Duncan Edwards and Jessica Lynas, were convicted of manslaughter.
Susan Prince recalled the killers' behaviour during the trial, stating, "Their behaviour in court was unbelievable. It was so disrespectful. They thought it was all a joke." She added that she has never received an apology from any of them.
While Edwards was refused parole last year and Lynas has been released, the latest development concerns Joe Boyer. Parole experts have analysed his case and recommended to the Ministry of Justice that he should be moved to an open prison. This recommendation has been accepted, meaning Boyer could potentially be freed within months.
A source close to the case said, "This was a horrific crime. The public will be shocked to discover Boyer could soon be out and will be enjoying open prison conditions."
A spokesperson for the Parole Board confirmed they refused Boyer's release but recommended a move to open conditions, stressing that such a move is only considered when a panel is satisfied the risk to the public is manageable. The final decision rested with the Secretary of State for Justice.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "This was a horrific crime, and our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Gemma Hayter. Offenders must pass a strict risk assessment before any move and we do not hesitate to move them back to closed conditions if they break the rules."
