A father who beat his seven-month-old son to death has sparked outrage after visiting the baby's grave following his release from prison. Paul Oldacre was jailed for life in 2000 for the murder of Jamie Oldacre but was released on parole in 2021 after serving 21 years. He has now been visiting Jamie's grave in Swindon, Wiltshire, leaving the boy's mother, Sharon, terrified.
Mother's Terror at Learning of Visits
Speaking to the Swindon Advertiser, Jamie's mother recounted her shock at discovering that Oldacre had been visiting the grave near her home. She had been assured that he would be banned from returning to Swindon upon release, but only learned of his freedom years later when a probation officer mistakenly informed her daughter. Sharon suspects Oldacre has visited the grave multiple times to leave tributes, allegedly with permission from his probation officer.
Sharon said: "For me, he's got all the human rights in the world. I have none. They'll protect him, change his name, offer him support. The system has failed me." She added: "In the courtroom he smirked, there was no sense of remorse then. I don't think he feels remorseful for what he has done."
The Murder of Jamie Oldacre
On September 20, 1999, Oldacre, then 27, was caring for Jamie and his other child at the family home in Swindon while Sharon was at work. He called her to say Jamie was struggling to breathe. Sharon rushed home to find her son on the sofa with blue lips, gasping for air. Oldacre initially claimed he had accidentally sat on the baby, but later confessed to police that he had "snapped" because Jamie wouldn't stop crying.
Prosecutor Roderick Denyer stated during the trial: "It is clear in the medical evidence that these injuries to Jamie were caused several hours prior to the summoning of the ambulance." He noted that Jamie would likely have survived if treated sooner. Oldacre, who has an IQ of 69, punched Jamie six times, causing three broken ribs, a torn liver, and internal bleeding. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter on grounds of diminished responsibility, but the Crown rejected the plea and he stood trial for murder at Bristol Crown Court.
Life Sentence and Parole
Oldacre was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in November 2000. After 21 years, the independent Parole Board ordered his release in 2021. Sharon claims she was not properly notified, despite being enrolled in the Victim Contact Scheme. She alleges that Oldacre has been visiting Jamie's grave, which is close to her home, and that a family source told her he has been there multiple times.
Sharon said: "One change in routine and I could come face to face with him. I don't know what he's going to be like now. I don't know how I'd react." She added: "The probation service were adamant he would not be coming back to Swindon when he was released. It's wiser to keep the distance and know all parties are safe than test the theory and someone gets hurt."
Impact on the Family
The murder devastated the family. Sharon's daughter was bullied at school, with other children saying "it should have been you and not your brother." People hurled insults like "child killer" over the fence. Sharon did not learn the full extent of Jamie's injuries until the trial, over a year later. She recalled hearing a police tape of Oldacre saying: "I wanted to hurt him, I really wanted to hurt him, I wanted to make him cry."
Sharon said: "Jamie bled out slowly and painfully. Mentally it destroyed me that day." She added: "It's the victims that end up serving the life sentence. You don't get over something, you just learn to live with it better."
Ministry of Justice Response
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "This was a horrific crime and our thoughts remain with Jamie's loved ones. Decisions to release life-sentenced prisoners are made by the independent Parole Board after a thorough risk assessment. Release is not freedom and they are subject to licence conditions for life and can be recalled to prison if their risk increases." The Ministry declined to comment on Oldacre's specific licence conditions or the allegations about grave visits.
