Ricky Preddie, Damilola Taylor's Killer, Released From Jail

Damilola Taylor Killer 'Released From Jail'
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Ricky Preddie, one of the two brothers convicted over the killing of schoolboy Damilola Taylor, has been released from jail, sources have said.

Preddie was jailed for eight years for the manslaughter of the 10-year-old schoolboy who was stabbed to death with a broken bottle in Peckham, south London in November 2000. Although four youths went on trial for his death in 2002, the case collapsed.

On hearing of Preddie's release, Richard Taylor, Damilola's father, told the Evening Standard: "If I had my way, the two brothers would have been hung for what they did to Dami."

Preddie was first freed early in September 2010 but was sent back to jail in March after breaching his parole.

The 24-year-old was sentenced to serve time for Damilola Taylor's death in prison in 2006, along with his brother Danny. At the time, the pair were aged 12 and 13 respectively.

Preddie was released from Pentonville prison in north London today, the Press Association reported.

At the time, he said: "I hope [the OBE] shows the young people out there it doesn't matter who you are or who your family are."

Regarding Preddie's release, a Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "The decision to release recalled offenders from custody is made by the independent Parole Board.

"Serious offenders released on licence are subject to a strict set of conditions and controls. If they fail to comply with their licence conditions, they are liable to be returned to custody."