Headteacher Philip Lawrence's Killer Learco Chindamo To Be Released

Headteacher's Killer To Be Released

The killer of headteacher Philip Lawrence, murdered in 1995, is set to be released from prison just days after the murder of teacher Ann Maguire, the Parole Board has confirmed.

The decision to release Learco Chindamo comes after the nation was shocked when Mrs Maguire was killed in front of her pupils at Corpus Christi Catholic College in Leeds.

Chindamo was jailed indefinitely for knifing father-of-four Mr Lawrence to death outside St George's Roman Catholic School in north west London in December 1995. The teacher went to help a 13-year-old pupil who was being assaulted.

Laerco Chindamo (right) was just 15 when he knifed Philip Lawrence (left) to death in 1995

A spokesman for the Parole Board said: "We can confirm that a three-member panel of the board has directed the release of Learco Chindamo.

"The decision to release is a matter for the board, which is independent. Practical arrangements for the release are a matter for the Secretary of State. We are unable to comment further on the details of this case."

A Ministry of Justice spokeswoman said: "The re-release of life sentenced offenders is directed by the independent Parole Board once the board are satisfied they can be safely managed in the community.

"Their life licence lasts for the rest of their lives, and they may be recalled to prison at any time for breaching their licence conditions.

"Additionally, they will be subject to strict controls and restrictions for as long as their risk requires them."

Mr Lawrence, 48, had gone to the aid of one of his pupils who was being attacked with an iron bar at the gates of the school.

He was seeing his pupils off, as he did every day, when he spotted one of them being hit over the head.

He intervened and stood between his pupil and the attackers during the stand-off but he was punched and stabbed through the heart by his 15-year-old killer, Learco Chindamo.

The teacher staggered bleeding to the school reception, where paramedics desperately tried to save him, but he died from his wounds.

Chindamo was later convicted of murder at the Old Bailey and served 15 years in prison.

He was paroled in July 2010 but rearrested and recalled to prison in November 2010, where he has remained until now.

Two years after his death, Mr Lawrence was awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal for outstanding personal heroism.

His widow Frances Lawrence vowed to continue her husband's work of promoting the achievements of young people by establishing the Philip Lawrence Awards.

Launched in 1997, the awards honour outstanding achievements of young people in the community.

Close

What's Hot