Double Killer Released Early as Victim's Family Condemns 'Disgusting' Parole Decision
A convicted double murderer has been granted early release from prison, a move described as "disgusting" and "disgraceful" by the grieving family of one of his victims. Andrew McVicar, now 42 years old, was freed on parole last month after serving just seven years of a 12-year sentence for his second killing.
Two Decades of Violence: A Troubling Criminal History
McVicar's violent criminal history spans nearly two decades, beginning when he was just 15 years old. On Christmas Eve in 1999, the schoolboy murdered 20-year-old Tony Harrington in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, by slashing his throat with a broken bottle. This brutal attack resulted in McVicar's first life sentence.
Almost nineteen years later, in March 2017, McVicar committed his second murder while participating in a violent burglary in Hullbridge, Essex. During this home invasion, McVicar and an accomplice targeted 57-year-old pensioner Tim Smith, shoving him to the ground where he struck his head against a wall. Smith suffered catastrophic injuries and tragically died in hospital the following day.
Police Manhunt and Subsequent Conviction
Following the 2017 killing, a major police manhunt was launched for McVicar, who was described by detectives as a "dangerous individual" who should not be approached. The search involved both Essex and Scottish police forces, culminating in his arrest on the Harthill housing estate where his relatives still lived.
During the trial at Basildon Crown Court, it was revealed that McVicar had driven home to Scotland immediately after the burglary and robbery. He was found with £22,490 in his possession at the time of his arrest. Both McVicar and his accomplice Colin Garrod received minimum 12-year sentences for their roles in the fatal burglary.
Family Outrage and Parole Board Decision
Julie Sinfield, the mother of Tony Harrington, expressed her horror upon learning that McVicar had been released for a second time. "I think it's disgusting that he's out. It's disgraceful," she stated. "I think it's actually shocking that they've let him out with two life sentences."
Another source close to the Harrington family said they were "disgusted" to discover McVicar's release through social media, adding: "The whole thing stinks. He should never be released again after taking two lives."
The Ministry of Justice confirmed that McVicar had been released following a decision by the independent Parole Board. A spokesman explained: "Decisions to release life-sentenced prisoners are made by the independent Parole Board after a thorough risk assessment. They are subject to probation supervision for life and can be recalled to prison if they breach strict licence conditions."
Controversial Social Media Activity
Adding to the controversy surrounding his release, McVicar posted photographs on Facebook just days after walking free, showing off his muscular physique. The images sparked further anger among those familiar with his violent history and the families of his victims.
McVicar, who has "honour" and "pride" tattooed on his forearms, had been living in Basildon at the time of the 2017 killing. His conviction came after his cousin informed police that McVicar had admitted involvement in a robbery where a man had died.
During sentencing, Judge Lodge told McVicar and Garrod that they had "callously denied Mr Smith's wife to tend to her critically ill husband" while they robbed the house. The judge emphasized the seriousness of their crimes, stating: "No one can conceive a more serious example of an aggravated threat with the intention to cause terror or alarm."
