Britain’s forgotten serial killer Patrick Mackay has been told he can make a bid for freedom – within weeks.
Mackay, 69, dubbed the “Devil’s Disciple” after he was convicted of butchering three people and confessed to killing eight more, has been granted a parole hearing that could take place in September.
If successful Mackay – the UK’s longest-serving prisoner who has spent 47 years in jail – could be on the streets before Christmas.
The monster, whose father Harold was a Scots accountant, was jailed for life in November 1975 and ordered to serve a minimum of 20 years for his horrific crimes, which included the axe murder of Anthony Crean, 64.
The Catholic priest was found at his home in Kent with his skull split in half after a ferocious attack.
The maniac also murdered pensioners Isabella Griffiths, 87, and Adele Price, 89.
But he retracted his confessions to the eight other killings, which included the axe murder of cafe owner Ivy Davies, 48, in Southend Essex, in February 1975.
Her son Victor, 66, who has spent more than 45 years fighting for justice, branded the news of Mackay’s parole hearing “terrible”.
A Parole Board spokesperson said: “We can confirm the case of Patrick Mackay has been referred to the Parole Board.
“It is awaiting a date to be listed.”
