Review to be held into decision to release convicted killer

A decision to allow the release of Ian Simms, convicted of murdering Helen McCourt, is to be reviewed by the Parole Board after a request by Justice Secretary Robert Buckland.

Last month the Parole Board said Simms had 'met the test for release'

Simms, now 63, abducted and murdered 22-year-old Helen in Billinge, St Helens in 1988.

Simms, who was convicted by a jury on overwhelming DNA evidence of the 22-year-old's abduction and murder and has always maintained his innocence.

Miss McCourt's mother, Marie, has been campaigning for Simms to remain in prison, as he has never revealed where he hid Helen's body.