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More on KentOnline
An MP has met with the Secretary of State for Justice to express fears over the potential release of serial killer Patrick Mackay.
Dartford MP Gareth Johnson met with Justice Secretary David Gauke this week to state his concerns and is now set to make his case to the parole board - arguing that Mackay should be kept in prison.
Mackay, who used to live in Dartford and Gravesend areas, was jailed in 1975 after confessing to brutally murdering 11 people, but is now being considered for release after reportedly spending time in an open prison.
KMTV spoke to Gareth Johnson about his concerns
Speaking following the meeting he said: “The Justice Secretary shared my concerns about Patrick Mackay.
"He indicated that the parole board would be able to take into account all the circumstances surrounding Patrick Mackay, including the matters that were left on file, when making a decision about him.
“I’m in the process of making representations to the parole board myself to stop this very dangerous man from being released.”
Mackay savagely killed elderly women in their homes in London and carried out other killings before returning to Kent and killing a priest, Father Anthony Crean - hacking him to death with an axe and leaving him in a blood-filled bath in the village of Shorne.
Last month Mr Johnson submitted a parliamentary question asking for details on Mackay's parole hearings.
In the Commons last month, the MP was told: "Patrick Mackay was convicted of three counts of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years in 1975.
"He became eligible for release at the end of that minimum term in March 1995.
"As a life sentenced prisoner, Mr Mackay, who is now 66, will only be released on direction from the Independent Parole Board when it is satisfied that the risk he poses can be managed safely in the community.
"Mr Mackay’s case was most recently referred to the parole board in August 2018. His parole review is ongoing."
He then wrote to the Justice Secretary David Gauke to express his concern over the situation, describing Mackay as a "man who is so dangerous he cannot be safely managed in the community".
