Paedophile who raped and killed girl, 9, to be released from prison

A paedophile who raped a nine-year-old girl before throwing her body into a river is set to be released from prison following a parole hearing.

John O’Shaughnessy admitted to raping Kayleigh Ward when he was 31-years-old, on the banks of the River Dee in Chester, before strangling her with his belt in December 1996. He threw Kayleigh's body into the water which washed up almost two months after her murder.

He was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1997, with a minimum term of 30 years. But the Parole Board has now confirmed it has directed the killer's release from prison following a parole hearing, the Mirror reports.

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The victim's family said they understood he would not be eligible for release until before 2027. In a public statement on Facebook on Monday, Kayleigh's family said the justice system was 'wrong' and they are desperately trying to get help in appealing the decision.

They wrote: "The justice system is wrong. Life should mean life. We have three weeks in which to appeal this decision. This monster knew what he was doing. I'm disturbed by the thought of him gaining his freedom. He's going to be out there. To all parents please be aware! We the family of Kayleigh are serving the life sentence. She will stay in our hearts and thoughts forever."

A spokesperson for the Parole Board said: “We can confirm that a panel of the Parole Board has directed the release of John O’Shaughnessy following an oral hearing. Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent