Jailed murderer who stabbed man to death in drunken rage could soon be free

A violent thug jailed for stabbing a young man to death in a drunken rage could soon be free after he was deemed to no longer be a risk to the public. Colin Eedle murdered Steffan Bell at a house in Skelmersdale when he repeatedly stabbed the 22-year-old in the chest and lungs.

Eedle was found guilty of murder the following year and sentenced to life imprisonment. He was released on parole in 2015 after spending 14 years behind bars. However, his licence was revoked and he was recalled to custody on June 17, 2022.

His recall was because of allegations of domestic violence and concerns that he had not been fully open about his employment. However, Eedle, who was 21 when sentenced and is now 44, was granted parole following the culmination of a hearing on July 17 this year.

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Mr Bell's mum Gaynor has previously said her son's killer was a "violent and dangerous man". However, the Parole Board panel have now concluded "imprisonment was no longer necessary for the protection of the public", the Liverpool Echo reports. The panel said it came to this decision after considering "the circumstances of his offending and time on licence" and "the progress made while in custody".

Ms Bell issued a victim impact statement to the Parole Board which was considered by the panel. Ms Bell said: "The effect of this heinous crime on Steffan's son has been devastating throughout his life, and he has had counselling but still will not talk about his dad.

"My son Ryan has found life difficult, especially losing his elder brother Adam killed by a drink driver and then Steffan being murdered. Again, he will not discuss Steffan or Eedle. The ripple