Mother of murder victim describes release recommended by sadistic killer as ‘outrageous’

The parole board's recommendation to release from prison a sadistic murderer who raped and stabbed a woman 60 times in 1997 was “outrageous,” said the victim's mother.

Steven Ling spent 27 years behind bars after being sentenced to life imprisonment for admitting the brutal murder of 29-year-old Joanne Tulip in Stamfordham, Northumberland.

After his fifth parole hearing, his release was recommended.

During the original trial, a charge of rape was left on record, meaning he is not a convicted sex offender, but in its decision the parole board stated: “Mr. Ling has always admitted to raping the victim.”

Sentencing him to life imprisonment at Newcastle Crown Court, Judge Potts told Ling, who was 23 at the time of the murder: “You inflicted appalling injuries on (Ms Tulip) while having sexual intercourse with her.”

“I am also convinced that your motivation was sadistic intentions.”

He added: “You will never be released as long as you are considered a danger to women.”

After the parole board announced that Ling was no longer a danger to the public and could be released, Ms Tulip's mother Doreen Soulsby said she was “absolutely horrified and disgusted”.

She said: “This man committed horrific crimes against my daughter and yet he is not considered high risk and can be safely released from prison.

“It’s outrageous.”

Ms Soulsby expressed her deep concern that Ling, now 49, would seek relationships with women after his release, as he was unable to have contact with the opposite sex while in prison.

She said: “How can the parole board believe that this man is not a danger to society when he separated my daughter from her family by committing the most brutal and sadistic crimes?

“Ling must stay behind bars – he is a danger to all women and girls.

“The recommended decision to release Ling into society is not only a betrayal of Joanne's family, but also of the families of other victims in similar situations – how can they have faith in our justice system when victims suffer such consequences?”

She called on the government to block the recommendation, saying: “They must do everything they can to ensure that women and girls are protected from this sadistic man.”

Ling was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years, which was reduced to 18 years by the Supreme Court.

The panel acknowledged that he had completed an official program to address his violent and sexual offenses and that his conduct in prison had been “largely exemplary.”

At a hearing in July this year, two psychologists argued for Ling's release from prison, speaking of his ongoing “shame” over his “monstrous” past.

The experts, identified only as A and B, said he could be released from prison under a risk management plan.

Psychologist A considered that the danger posed by Ling was “not immediate” and “manageable by society.” He added: “I believe this means that his risk is now at a level where he no longer needs to remain in prison.”

Psychologist B told the panel: “I believe he qualifies for release and does not need to be detained any longer for the protection of the public.”

When asked if he was aware of the “seriousness” of his offence towards Ms Tulip and her relatives, Psychologist A said Ling talked about it quite regularly, which could be “helpful” in preventing him from giving in to unhealthy thoughts.

Psychologist B said: “He calls himself a monster when he talks to me.

“He also talked about the struggle to come to terms with the person he was that night and how it all came about.”

In its published decision, the Parole Board stated: “The Board was satisfied that detention was no longer necessary to protect the public.”

His release was subject to conditions, including that he inform the authorities of any relationships he might have, that he will be monitored, must observe a curfew and must not stay in a restricted area to avoid contact with his victim's family.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: “Our thoughts are with Joanne Tulip’s family and friends at this difficult time.

“The Lord Chancellor's top priority is the safety of the public. She has asked officials to consider whether the decision should be referred back to the Parole Board for reconsideration.”