'Positive reports and remorse' - how schoolgirl's torture gang killer talked his way out of jail

He played a depraved part in one of Manchester's most infamous murders. But now the Parole Board has decided Glyn Powell should be released from prison.

He was one of four people convicted of killing 16-year-old Suzanne Capper. She was tortured for a week at a house in Moston before being driven to remote woodland near Stockport where she was doused in petrol and set on fire.

She was found on a country lane with horrific injuries by workmen who raised the alarm. She died in Withington Hospital four days later from 80 per cent burns and multiple organ failure, but lived long enough to identify her killers to police.

Powell, who was 29 at the time of Suzanne's death in 1993, is the only one of her murderers who remains in custody. But after "very careful consideration" and, "noting the particular gravity of the offences Mr Powell committed", the Parole Board are satisfied Powell is suitable for release.

A decision summary by the Board's panel reveals that Powell has already spent time in the community working after being transferred to an open prison in May 2021. He was given a mandatory life sentence on December 17th 1993, with a minimum tariff of 25 years before he could be considered for release.

Now 58, Powell had a review of his case by the Board on April 17th of this year. It was his fourth bid for freedom since the expiry of the minimum term. He has spent an extra five years in prison for public protection.

In reaching its decision, the panel took oral evidence from Mr Powell’s community-based Probation Officer, the official responsible for supervising his case in prison, and a psychologist employed by the prison service. Mr Powell himself also gave evidence to the panel.

The Parole Board decision summary