TEENAGER MICHELLE STEWART'S KILLER JOHN WILSON RELEASED FROM PRISON IN DRUMMOND

The family of Michelle Stewart, a teenager from Drongan who was murdered in 2008, has expressed their deep disappointment following the recent release of her killer, John Wilson, after serving 16 years behind bars.

Wilson, who was 17 at the time, was convicted of brutal assault outside a shop in 2008 that resulted in Michelle's death. He was initially sentenced to life in prison after ambushing and stabbing his ex-girlfriend to death.

In response to Michelle's death, a support group called Michelle's Law was established to focus on protecting victims' families and ensuring their welfare was prioritized during parole decisions.

However, on Wednesday, the group announced that Wilson had been released following his fourth parole hearing. The conditions of his release include a ban on contacting Michelle’s friends and family, as well as restrictions preventing him from residing in North, South, or East Ayrshire.

Kenny, Michelle’s father, admitted he had feared this day might come. He said, “Probably it has been expected, we knew this day would eventually come. He got sentenced to 12 years and he’s done 16. He’s out, and life is not life in the UK or Scotland, but Michelle is dead, her life is gone, but he is now out after 16 years.”

He added, “People have been sending us messages saying they hope he doesn’t get out, he should rot, he should die in there. We’re disappointed in today’s decision, but we are not shocked, we were expecting it.”

Wilson was denied parole nine months ago during his fourth hearing. Kenny questioned what had changed since then, saying, “Obviously they have done the risk assessment and he’s out and about in the public. Don’t get me wrong, there are exclusions zones, we don’t know the full details but we do know he is not allowed back in Ayrshire.”

On Wednesday evening, Michelle’s Law Facebook group, managed by Michelle’s sister Lisa, expressed their anger. They stated, “After fighting the past four years, three of which have been successful, John Wilson has today been granted parole. To say we are disappointed is an understatement. I am gutted that Michelle's killer is now free to roam the streets and live freely while Michelle lies in a cemetery through HIS actions.

I will continue to advocate and fight for victim's rights to try and bring about some sort of change within the justice system to try and make it a more fair and balanced system for ALL.

We would like to thank everyone who has supported us in the fight to keep him off the streets and in jail.”