Brendan Harris, the last of Sophie Lancaster's killers, is to be released from prison after the Parole Board ruled he had 'addressed his use of violence'. Harris was jailed for life in 2008 for the murder of 20-year-old Sophie, who was brutally attacked in Stubbylee Park, Bacup, in August 2007.
Sophie was kicked and stamped on as she tried to protect her boyfriend Robert Maltby from a gang of drunken teenagers. The couple were targeted because of their appearance, with the gang later boasting about leaving the 'two moshers nearly dead'. Sophie died two weeks later after her mother Sylvia made the heartbreaking decision to turn off her life support.
Harris, who was 16 at the time, was sentenced alongside Ryan Herbert, who was released in 2022. The Parole Board panel noted that Harris had misused alcohol and drugs, struggled to manage extreme emotions, and had a history of violence. He also admitted throwing the first punch at the male victim.
During his sentence, Harris spent time in a secure mental health hospital and was convicted of GBH in 2013 for attacking a nurse. However, the panel noted his good behaviour in prison and completion of a violence reduction programme. All witnesses at the hearing supported his release.
Harris will be released on licence with strict conditions, including residing at a designated address, good behaviour, drug testing, a curfew, and alcohol monitoring. The Parole Board stated that the risk factors had been addressed and that Harris was motivated to do well.
