JUSTICE secretary Robert Buckland is believed to be asking officials for advice on whether the release of Helen McCourt's murderer can be reconsidered.
The decision to free the 63-year-old on licence follows a Parole Board hearing that took place a fortnight ago.
A Parole Board Decision Summary stated that after taking into account all the circumstances and evidence presented at the hearing, the panel was satisfied that Simms met the test for release.
READ: Ian Simms, murderer of Helen McCourt, is to be released from prison
Pub landlord Simms abducted and murdered insurance clerk Helen McCourt, 22, from Billinge on her way home from work in February 1988.
Helen McCourt
He denied being responsible but a jury at Liverpool Crown Court convicted him amid overwhelming DNA evidence, despite Helen’s body never being found.
Simms has gone on to serve more than three decades in jail. This was his seventh review by the Parole Board.
Helen's mum Marie has spent four years fighting for a law change calling for killers who do not reveal the whereabouts of their victims' bodies to not be eligible for parole.
In May it was announced that the law had Government support and last month it was mentioned in the Queen’s Speech.
Ian Simms
But the latest Parole Board hearing came before the law could go through the process of being entered into the statute books.
After public outcry at the news, the Star understands that Justice Secretary Robert Buckland is seeking further advice on the matter to see if this decision can be urgently reconsidered.
Meanwhile, Marie has launched an online fundraising page to raise funds to pay for legal advisors to take this to the High Court.
The Ministry of Justice have issued the following statement: “We understand this will be an extremely upsetting decision for the family of Helen McCourt and our heartfelt sympathies remain with them.
“Ian Simms will be released on licence and subject to strict conditions – and faces an immediate return to prison if he fails to comply. His licence will remain in place for the rest of his life.
“The release of life sentence prisoners is a matter for the independent Parole Board, which carries out a full risk assessment before making a decision.”
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