CORBY'S ADAM STEIN TO BE RELEASED DESPITE BRUTAL 1986 MURDER OF SIX-YEAR-OLD COLETTE GALLACHER

In a development that has shocked the community of Corby, the family of six-year-old Collette Gallacher, who was tragically murdered in February 1986, are now facing the distressing reality of her killer's impending release from prison. Adam George Stein, a convicted sex offender and murderer, is set to be released after serving a portion of his sentence, despite the heinous nature of his crime and the family's vehement opposition.

Collette Gallacher was abducted while walking to catch her school bus at Our Lady’s Infants School in Corby. Stein, who was later identified as her attacker, lured her into his home on Ashley Avenue. The investigation involved over 120 police officers, and her body was discovered in Stein’s attic after he attempted to take his own life. In a suicide note, Stein admitted to having 'done wrong,' adding a chilling layer to the case.

The court proceedings at Northampton Crown Court revealed that Stein had been involved in a series of disturbing behaviors. The judge initially recommended a minimum sentence of 25 years, reflecting the severity of the crime. However, following advice from the Lord Chief Justice, then-Home Secretary Douglas Hurd decided to reduce the sentence to between 18 and 20 years. This decision sparked outrage among Collette’s family, especially her mother, Karen Holmes, who expressed her disgust at the reduction. She emphasized that, in her view, a child murderer should serve life imprisonment, and she believed the original sentence was justified based on the evidence presented during the trial.

Despite the court's recommendations, Stein was released in April 2016 to an undisclosed location in the South East of England. His release was met with concern and anger from the community and the victim’s family. The family was only informed of his release after a parole board official contacted them, and they were shocked to learn that Stein was applying for parole again. They had not been kept updated or given a recent photograph of him, nor were they told the specific town where he would reside, raising fears that they might encounter him unexpectedly.

In the latest review, the parole board has deemed it no longer necessary to keep Stein incarcerated for the protection of the public. As a result, he is scheduled for release within the next three months. Although authorities have assured the family that Stein will not be allowed within miles of Corby, they have not disclosed his new address. He will be required to live at a designated residence, report regularly to a supervising officer, wear an electronic monitoring tag, and submit to polygraph testing. Additionally, he will be subject to a curfew and an exclusion zone that includes Northamptonshire.

The family of Collette Gallacher has expressed their profound distress and concern over the decision. They have launched an appeal to the parole board, hoping to prevent Stein’s release or at least delay it. Their fears are compounded by the fact that they have not received updated photographs or details about his new location, leaving them worried about the possibility of crossing paths with him unknowingly.

Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding Stein’s early release is compounded by historical decisions. In July 2004, the sentence for Stein’s original crime was reduced, a move that has been heavily criticized. The case of Collette Gallacher remains a stark reminder of the devastating impact of Stein’s actions and the ongoing debate over justice and public safety in Corby.