Philpott child killer Paul Mosley is released from prison after six children die in 2012 house fire

Child killer Paul Mosley, who was convicted of killing six children in a deliberate house fire in Derby, has been released from prison.

Paul Mosley, 56, was convicted of starting the fire in 2012, along with his friend Mick Philpott and Mick's wife, Mairead, and was jailed for 17 years for manslaughter in 2013.

Duwayne Philpott, 13, his sister Jade, 10, and brothers Jack, nine, John, eight, Jesse, six and Jayden, five, all died from the effects of smoke inhalation during a blaze deliberately set by their parents Mick and Mairead Philpott, with the help of Mosley, at their home in Victory Road, Allenton.

A statement from the Parole Board confirmed a hearing concluded that it was satisfied “imprisonment was no longer necessary for the protection of the public” for Mosley.

Under the terms of his release Mosley, formerly of Newdigate Street, must adhere to strict conditions including divulging any “developing relationships” and “an exclusion zone to avoid contact with victims and children in general”.

Following a seven-week trial at Nottingham Crown Court in early 2013, all three were found guilty of six counts of manslaughter.

Mick Philpott was jailed for life while his wife and Mosley were each handed 17-year sentences by Mrs Justice Kate Thirlwall KC.

The whole Parole Board summary statement on Mosley reads: “As required by law, Mr Mosley's case was referred to the Parole Board by the Secretary of State for Justice to determine whether he could be safely released on parole licence. The panel could only direct release if it was satisfied that it was no longer necessary for the protection of the public that Mr Mosley remained confined in prison.

“The case was considered at an oral hearing on 24 October 2023 which took place in the prison where Mr Mosley was being held. Mr Mosley indicated through his legal representative that he hoped to be released as a result of the Parole Board review.

“In reaching its decision, the panel considered the contents of Mr Mosley’s dossier, prepared by the Secretary of State. At the hearing, the panel took oral evidence from Mr Mosley’s probation officer based in the community, his former probation officer and the official supervising his case in prison.

“Mr Mosley, who was legally represented at the hearing, also gave evidence to the panel. The Secretary of State was not represented by an advocate at the hearing and did not provide written representations.

“The panel had the benefit of a victim personal statement which clearly conveyed the impact of Mr Mosley’s crimes and the consequences of his offending. The contents were given careful consideration by the panel.”

“On 4 April, 2013, Mr Mosley received a determinate sentence of 17 years’ imprisonment following conviction for six offences of manslaughter. He was 46 years old at the time he was sentenced and was aged 56 when his case was reviewed.

“Mr Mosley continues to maintain his innocence and he was convicted at trial. The sentencing judge made it clear that he was satisfied that Mr Mosley had been involved in the events that led to the offences.

“In its assessment of the case, the panel treated Mr Mosley as being properly convicted by the courts. On 7 May 2021, Mr Mosley was released at the automatic release point in his sentence as is required by the law.

“His licence was revoked and he was recalled to custody on 20 July 2022 as a result of concerns about his behaviour. The panel explored the alleged behaviour and found that the decision to recall Mr Mosley to custody had not been appropriate.

“The panel was satisfied that there had been no significant problematic behaviour on licence.

“If not released by the panel, Mr Mosley would otherwise be released at the end of his sentence in November 2029, unless found suitable for a return to the community before that date as the result of a future parole review.

“Evidence was presented at the hearing regarding Mr Mosley’s progress and custodial conduct during this sentence and since his recall. Prior to being released he had not been assessed as eligible for accredited programmes to address his offending behaviour.

“Since being recalled, Mr Mosley had not been afforded an opportunity to engage with offence focussed work, however, he had completed educational learning. His custodial behaviour had been largely without issue and those involved in Mr Mosley’s case did not believe that risk reduction work needed to be undertaken in custody prior to any release.

“In this case, protective factors which would reduce the risk of reoffending were considered to be the support Mr Mosley has from his family. The panel examined the release plan provided by Mr Mosley’s probation officer and weighed its proposals against assessed risks.

“The plan included a requirement to reside in designated accommodation as well as strict limitations on Mr Mosley’s contacts, movements and activities. The panel concluded this plan was robust enough to manage Mr Mosley in the community at this stage.

“After considering the circumstances of his offending and time on licence, the progress made while in custody and the evidence presented at the hearing, the panel was satisfied that imprisonment was no longer necessary for the protection of the public. Mr Mosley’s release is subject to the following licence conditions, which must be strictly adhered to:

• "To comply with requirements to reside at a designated address, to be of good behaviour, to disclose developing relationships, and to report as required for supervision or other appointments;

• "To submit to an enhanced form of supervision or monitoring including a specified curfew;

• "To comply with other identified limitations concerning contacts, activities, residency and an exclusion zone to avoid contact with victims and children in general;

• "To meet specified restrictions relating to the use of electronic technology, including monitoring of social media and any internet use;

• To continue to work on addressing defined areas of risk in the community.”

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