A killer who was recommended to spend the rest of his life behind bars in 1997 for the murder of a 27 year old girl in a car park in Bramhall could become eligible for release next year
Nicholas Burton stabbed 27-year-old Rachel McGrath to death as she called to collect her boyfriend from a pub car park in April 1997.
Burton then kidnapped a 17-year-old girl as she stopped at a newsagent on her way to work and subjected her to a terrifying 11-hour ordeal in which she was forced to drive to Wales.
He threatened to kill her, and later told a court he had intended to rape and murder her.
He was sentenced for murder, kidnap and false imprisonment with a minimum tariff of 25 years and gave him an additional 10 years for threats to kill at Liverpool Crown Court.
The victims now elderly parents have, been contacted by victim liaison officials and told that he is due to be considered for parole next May after serving the 25-year minimum term.
The family’s local MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd Liz Robert’s brought up the case in the House of Commons saying:
“My constituent Michael McGrath is battling for justice for his family.
“His sister Rachel McGrath was murdered in a brutal stranger attack by Nicholas Burton in 1997.
“The trial judge described Burton as merciless and manipulative and recommended that no home secretary – as the arrangement was at the time – would ever be likely to allow his release.
“Rachel’s elderly parents were recently told that Burton would walk free next year.
“They haven’t even been able to make a victim statement and believe the correct procedure has not been followed.
“Will he ( The Justice minister) agree, please, to a ministerial meeting with the family to help ensure that they have all the information they need, that their voice is heard and it is respected?”
Justice minister Alex Chalk thanked Ms Saville Roberts for raising the “extremely sensitive, distressing and, frankly, appalling” case.
He added: “Yes, of course I will be delighted to meet.”
