Jeremy Bamber is 52 today

[John]

Just to remind everyone that Jeremy is 52 today.  January 13th...unlucky for some!  What do you say to a mass murderer on his birthday? 

Some suggestions please.

Here is the video that his girlfriend is posting on twitter...

Notice how they use photo's which are 27 years out of date and quote from Nelson Mandela as if they somehow had something in common.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5GFDFt2cV8

[ActualMat]

Using pictures of June and Sheila in the video? She obviously has no shame.

[goatboy]

That whole video is incredibly offensive, I agree, probably the worst bit is the photo of Jeremy with June and Sheila. Yes, he did lose his entire family. But he was behind it. And he hasn't had the chance to mourn because he is glad they are dead.

[Padgates staff]

If Jeremy had pleaded guilty to the murders, having done more than 25 years, would he have been free now or would the 'whole life tarrif' still be applied?

[Andrea]

Good Q.

Im not sure Jo, he may have been free by now. He was given the whole life tarriff after the trial i think. Think it was the Home Secretary that said he would spend the rest of his days in nick. Had he admitted guilt ne may have been out by now, not sure.

But the murders were seen as so heinous that only a whole life tarriff would be appropriate. But i still dont know!

[goatboy]

Some crimes are so abhorrent that the authorities will never consider the perpetrator's release. For example, Ian Huntley admitted he was responsible for the deaths of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman. I don't believe anyone would ever allow him to be released, and he killed fewer people than Bamber.

[John]

Some crimes are so abhorrent that the authorities will never consider the perpetrator's release. For example, Ian Huntley admitted he was responsible for the deaths of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman. I don't believe anyone would ever allow him to be released, and he killed fewer people than Bamber.

I agree, their faces are too well known.  They would have to have a new identity if released into the community and that would be pointless as long as most people remember them.  Maybe when they are in their 80's they might have a slim chance at parole.

There is talk about a half-way house where offenders could be released but only to a safe haven.  I don't know if that scheme ever got funding?  I think it was a Scottish initiative of sorts.