Apology for Merseyside murder victim's parents

Colin McGinty was stabbed to death in Bootle in 2001 Credit: ITV Granada

The Parole Board has apologised after a murder victim's parents were among the last to learn the killers could be moved to open prisons, MPs have heard.

Geraldine and Peter McGinty previously overheard a judge saying their victim statements made "no difference" when considering parole for the killers of their son Colin, who was stabbed to death in Bootle, Merseyside, in 2001.

Earlier this month, the couple said they felt "let down" after hearing Michael Brown and Gary Hampton could be moved to open prisons following private parole hearings.

More: Grieving family's anger at their victim statement being ignored

They told ITV News they expected details of the killers' next hearing in advance but were only informed after it had taken place - and that they were paper hearings.

Justice Secretary Chris Grayling today told MPs Parole Board chief executive Claire Bassett has "rightly" apologised to Mr and Mrs McGinty for the "lack of information provided to them".

The Parole Board confirmed the apology was in relation to the communication of the hearing's recommendation to the couple.

In a statement, a Parole Board spokesman said: "The Parole Board is in private correspondence with the McGinty family.

"However, we can confirm that the CEO of the Parole Board has made an apology for the poor communication experienced by the McGintys.

"At this time we will not be issuing any further comment about this case."