SHOE FETISH KILLER DENIED OPEN PRISON MOVE
A convicted shoe fetishist responsible for the rape and murder of a woman in her residence will remain in a high-security prison, the Ministry of Justice has confirmed.Christopher Farrow, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2000 for the killing of Wendy Speakes in Wakefield six years prior, will not be moved to an open prison as previously suggested.
In a recent recommendation, the Parole Board advised that Farrow, who has served a minimum of 18 years, should be transferred from closed to Category D facility, which is among the least restrictive prison categories.
However, the government rejected this recommendation, citing the safety of the public as its foremost concern.
A spokesperson stated, "Wendy Speakes’ murder was a horrific act, and we remain fully committed to the safety of the community." The final decision was left to Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood.
The incident took place in 1994 when Farrow broke into Ms Speakes’ home, searched her shoe drawers, tied her up with black tights, and then stabbed her 11 times.
He raped her at 51 years old.
Following the crime, it took police six years to catch him, aided by new fingerprinting techniques.
The Parole Board highlighted that at the time of the murder, Farrow had a sexual interest in rape, violence, stockings, and high-heeled shoes, and struggled with relationship issues and emotional control.
He has been denied parole four times, with hearings in 2018, 2020, and 2023.
Tracey Millington-Jones, Ms Speakes’ daughter, expressed relief that victims' concerns are being prioritized but also raised concerns about the lengthy process, commenting, "We shouldn’t have to wait every two years for updates.
But I am very grateful that my mother’s murderer remains behind bars." She credited Justice Secretary Mahmood, her MP Sir John Whittingdale, and media support for her efforts to ensure Farrow remains incarcerated, according to local reports.
Ms Millington-Jones stated, "Justice must be served for her premeditated murder." Farrow, now aged 63, has spent nearly a quarter-century in prison since his conviction.
At his latest parole hearing on February 27, officials noted that he completed a rehabilitation programme last year to address sexual thoughts related to his crime.
A summary from the parole panel indicated that Farrow underwent extensive treatment, including psychological sessions, although recent work was considered necessary for professionals to confirm he understood his offending.
Originally from Leeds, Farrow was moved to an open prison in 2018 but returned to a secure facility the following year due to ongoing cold case investigations.
The parole board confirmed that he is no longer considered a suspect in those investigations.
