The devastated family of Sittingbourne teenager Michael Chapman, have been told today his killer has been freed.

He served less than two years of a four-year manslaughter sentence.

Lee Cowie, who ambushed and attacked 16-year-old Michael in 2006, has been released from a young offenders' institute - just four days after the grieving family commemorated the second anniversary of Michael's death with a sponsored walk and concert starring X Factor star Ben Mills.

Lloyd Chapman is outraged by what he claims was the insensitive handling of Cowie's release. He was telephoned three hours afterwards by Kent Probation.

"It is disgusting that he has been let out so close to the anniversary of my son's death. Someone in authority should have worked with us before this.

"I felt that out of respect the police should have come round here and told us," he said.

Michael died after being attacked by Cowie on The Grove playing fields at Gore Court Cricket Club, Sittingbourne, as he and elder brother David returned to their home in Bobbing.

The family has been told Cowie must stay away from Sittingbourne and Medway for two years as a condition of his release.

Cowie was on remand for 10 months up until the trial in April last year. He had pleaded not guilty to murder.

Lloyd spoke of his deep bitterness at Cowie's failure to issue any apology for Michael's death on June 16.

"He smirked and smiled his way through the trial and we have had not one word by way of an apology from him or any of his family," Mr Chapman said.

The Chapmans have fought for justice for Michael, gathering thousands of signatures on a petition in their bid to increase Cowie's sentence.

They met Jack Straw, Secretary of State for Justice, in February in their fight.

They are also celebrating Michael's life by creating a pathway in Bobbing Churchyard where Michael is buried.

Mr Chapman said Michael was a wonderful son.

"He was a fantastic person, that's what killed him because Cowie was jealous of him.

"If I was Cowie, the very least I would do was change my name and move away and make a new start. I would not have wanted to return to this county.

"Cowie just does not realise that he has destroyed my family," he said.

A spokesman for Kent Probation said: “Lee Cowie was found guilty of the manslaughter of Michael Chapman, has served his sentence and will be subject to licence conditions upon his release.

“In cases such as this, licence conditions can include the imposition of an exclusion zone from areas were the crime was committed and where relatives of the victim live.

“Lee Cowie will not be living in Kent initially upon release.”