Devil's Disciple axe murderer Patrick Mackay is said to be “furious” after learning his parole bid has been put on hold.
The Nazi- obsessed serial killer, who is the UK’s longest-serving prisoner, wanted to be out for Christmas. But the Parole Board delayed his hearing, so his case will not be heard until March at the earliest.
Mackay – who went on a blood crazed rampage in the 70s and boasted he was the “Devil’s Disciple” – was jailed for life in 1975 after being convicted of three killings. He had admitted to killing eight more people but then retracted his confessions.
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A source said: “Mackay truly believes he will be released and is desperate for the parole hearing to take place. He was furious when told it had been adjourned for new reports and it would not be held until next year. Mackay thinks there is a conspiracy to keep him in jail.”
Mackay – who has changed his name to David Groves and is currently in an open jail – has been told the Parole Board wants new reports from psychiatrists, jail staff and probation officers.
In March 1975, Mackay split open the skull of 64-year-old Catholic priest Anthony Crean in a frenzied axe attack at the cleric’s home in Shorne, Kent. He was found guilty of manslaughter on grounds of diminished responsibility.
Mackay was also convicted of the 1974 killing of Isabella Griffiths, 87, and of killing Adele Price, 89, in 1975.
One of the killings pyschopath Mackay initially claimed responsibility for but then retracted was of cafe owner Ivy Davies, 48, who was axed to death at her home in Southend, Essex, in February 1975.
Her son Victor, 66, who has spent more than 45 years fighting for justice, said: “At least he’s going to be spending a few more weeks inside. They say he’s been a model prisoner but maybe they think he’s been pulling the wool over their eyes all these years with.”
He added: “In my opinion, he should never be released.”
A Parole Board spokesman said: “The parole review of Patrick Mackay has been adjourned.
“The Parole Board does everything it can to avoid these delays. Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community.
“The panel will carefully examine a whole range of evidence, including details of the original crime, and any evidence of behaviour change, as well as understand the harm done and impact the crime has had on the victims.”
