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Life for killer who knifed woman in the street in Rawtenstall

A man has been jailed for life after pleading guilty to murdering his former partner in a knife attack outside her home.

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The Parole Board "deeply regrets the circumstances" which led to the murder of Cherylee

In a statement, the Parole Board said O’Hara was serving a life sentence when the Board reviewed his case in February 2012 and made a decision to direct his release.

The organisation has pledged a review will examine the decision to release O'Hara from jail.

The Parole Board deeply regrets the circumstances which led to the murder of Cherylee Shennan by Paul O’Hara.

"In cases such as this one, the Board is committed to doing everything it can to learn the lessons that will help to prevent further tragedies.

"To this end, the Parole Board has a Review Committee which includes two senior independent figures to identify any lessons that need to be learned for the future."

– Parole Board statement

The Board said it makes its decisions by "assessing the risk the prisoner presents to the public".

It may only direct the release of a life sentence prisoner "if it is satisfied that it is no longer necessary for them to be detained in order to protect the public from harm".

The Parole Board takes its responsibility to protect the public extremely seriously.

"Parole Board members are appointed through a rigorous assessment process and provided with intensive training to undertake the role.

"When deciding whether or not to release a prisoner, the protection of the public is always their primary concern."

– Parole Board statement
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Life for killer who knifed woman in the street in Rawtenstall

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