The father of a young mum murdered in a Canterbury park will lay flowers at her grave this weekend on what would have been her 40th birthday - as her killer prepares for his release from prison.

Claire Streader was just 24 when she was sexually assaulted and strangled in St Stephen’s Park by taxi driver Merrick Rogers, who was sentenced to life behind bars in 2000.

But as remorseless Rogers - who has always maintained his innocence - looks forward to his freedom, Claire’s father has told how he has always dreaded the moment his daughter’s killer would be released.

Peter Streader says life should mean life and thinks Rogers - who was convicted through compelling DNA evidence - is still a danger to the public.

“I fear he will continue to be dangerous because he is deluding himself if he continues to believe he didn’t kill her. I have never doubted his guilt from the evidence I heard. As far as I’m concerned he’s evil" - Peter Streader

The 71-year-old, who lives in Chartham, was speaking to the Gazette after learning Rogers had been moved to an open prison and is allowed out on home visits to Sittingbourne, where his family is believed to have moved.

He said: “It’s clear he is being prepared for release and I wouldn’t be surprised if he is out by this time next year.

“It’s galling, but something I have tried to come to terms with. My son Julian says I should not let it get to me because it could destroy me, but I can’t help it.

“If he comes out next year he will be able to start a whole new life, but we can’t celebrate Claire’s 40th birthday because he took that away from her and us.

“I fear he will continue to be dangerous because he is deluding himself if he continues to believe he didn’t kill her.

“I have never doubted his guilt from the evidence I heard. As far as I’m concerned he’s evil.

“I dread the thought of him being out. It won’t be the first time the parole board has got it wrong.”

Claire’s body was found dumped in a bush the night after she and Rogers had been drinking together in the city centre in May 1999.

Rogers was convicted after his saliva was found on her breast and bra.

The former Chaucer Technology School pupil was told he would serve a mimimum of 14 years in prison but the term was later reduced to 12-and-a-half years on appeal. An appeal against his conviction was rejected in 2006.

Following Claire’s murder, her eight-year-old son Ben was brought up by Mr Streader and his wife Ann.

Mr Streader believes the death of Ann, at the age of 61 in 2008, was hastened by the distress of losing their daughter in such horrific circumstances.

He said: “I’ve no doubt her health declined more rapidly after Claire’s death. She was much more reclusive and never went back into the city centre again.”

Mr Streader says Ben was deeply affected by his mother’s murder but has built a life for himself.

He was awarded just £13,000 from the Criminal Compensation Board for the loss of his mother and her parents only £5,000.

Mr Streader said: “It’s not about money, but they are pretty paltry sums when you consider the huge amounts that would have been spent on Rogers by the justice system.

“I am sure he will have a whole network of people around supporting him when he’s released.

“But we have been told he will have to stay away from Canterbury. I certainly wouldn’t want to bump into him.”

Should Rogers be released? What do you think?