An MP is leading calls for an independent inquiry into why a dangerous offender was released before murdering his elderly neighbour. Lawrence Bierton pleaded guilty at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday, April 1, to the murder of 73-year-old grandma Pauline Quinn after he killed her in Rayton Spur, Worksop, on Tuesday, November 9, last year.
Bierton had been allowed out on licence after killing two pensioners in Rotherham - he was released in 2020. He had murdered 79-year-old Eileen Dudhill and 72-year-old Elsie Gregory back in 1995. While further details of Bierton's most recent crimes will not be heard in court until later this year, the court was told that the probation service were aware of Bierton's address in Worksop before Mrs Quinn was killed in her home.
The judge said an inquest will look at other wider issues - he also asked for a report to explain how it was the defendant came to be living next door to Mrs Quinn and a report to deal generally with Bierton's performance and compliance with the conditions of his parole licence. That will come from an offender management unit.
Double killer was on licence when he killed pensioner neighbour - read more here.
Brendan Clark-Smith, MP for Bassetlaw, is now leading calls for an independent inquiry into why he was housed at the address within his constituency. He said: "Our community was shocked and saddened at the violent and tragic death of Pauline Quinn. My thoughts at this time are with her family, friends and neighbours. My staff and I have been working with the community since this tragedy and I share their relief that the killer of Ms Quinn pleaded guilty, saving the further upset of a drawn-out trial.
After the guilty plea, I hope that justice will be delivered, and Lawrence Bierton spends the rest of his life behind bars. At the conclusion of this case, I now call for an independent inquiry to find out why such a dangerous offender, with a history of violence towards elderly people, including two murders, was housed in this area.
"What risk assessment took place prior to him being housed in this property? How were any safeguarding concerns raised handled by the probation service? Were complaints to the local Council acted upon?"
Detective Inspector Steve Wragg, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Pauline’s tragic death devastated her family and shocked her friends and neighbours in their community. Our thoughts and deepest condolences remain with them and I hope today’s guilty pleas bring some degree of closure for them.
“I am pleased Bierton decided to plead guilty which has spared Pauline’s family having to go through the emotional ordeal of a trial".
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