Britain's longest serving female inmate, Maria Pearson, is set to be released after 39 years behind bars, following her tenth successful parole application. Pearson, now 70, was jailed for life in 1986 for the murder of 23-year-old Janet Newton, whom she stabbed 17 times in a jealous rage.
The Crime and Conviction
In October 1986, Pearson, then 31, attacked Janet Newton outside her home in Hartlepool. The knife penetrated Newton's heart, and she died at the scene. The judge described the murder as 'cruel and vicious'. Pearson had been stalking Newton and sending hate letters to her family after discovering her husband Malcolm's relationship with Newton. At trial, Pearson attempted to blame her husband but was found to have been 'obsessive and jealous'.
Pearson's life at the time was volatile. She had two children from previous relationships and gave birth to a third child days before her bigamous wedding to Malcolm Pearson. When Malcolm discovered she was still married to her first husband, he demanded an annulment and began a relationship with Janet.
Parole Denials and Victim Impact
Pearson completed her minimum 12-year sentence in 1998 but remained in prison for an additional 27 years due to concerns about her behaviour and risk to the public. She was denied parole nine times, with the Parole Board citing ongoing challenges and risk of harm. Janet's sister Lynn expressed relief at previous denials, stating, 'She's pure evil. I lost my soulmate that day, and I can never forgive her killer.'
Lynn also noted the nightmares and sense of dread that returned with each parole application. The family had to write victim impact letters opposing release.
Release Decision and Conditions
On Tuesday, the Parole Board approved Pearson's tenth application, concluding that she no longer poses a significant risk to society. The board described the decision as 'finely balanced' and said Pearson would be released on licence under strict conditions. These include living at a designated address, a curfew enforced by electronic tagging for a year, and avoiding contact with Janet Newton's family.
The board stated: 'The panel was satisfied that imprisonment was no longer necessary for the protection of the public and that she poses no more than a minimal risk of further serious offending.' However, they acknowledged that Pearson presents a risk of harm, particularly when distressed or under pressure, but noted the absence of comparable behaviour over many years in custody.
Pearson's prison offender manager, lead clinical psychologist, and operational manager of the enhanced offender management service all supported her release. She had engaged with psychotherapy and completed a thinking skills programme, though she also presented 'ongoing challenges' in relationships with professionals. Some experts assessed her as posing a high risk of serious harm, while others believed her risk could be managed in the community.
Adapting to a Changed World
Upon release, Pearson will face a world vastly different from the one she left in 1986. She will need to learn to navigate new technology and rebuild a social network. Her release is subject to strict surveillance, and any minor rule violation could result in recall to prison without a new trial.
