Killer rapist's family wanted him freed early from prison on 'compassionate grounds'

The relatives of the late rapist and murderer Victor Farrant wanted him released on compassionate grounds before he died from tongue cancer, new documents reveal.

Following Victor Farrant's death on May 3, 2024, at HMP Wakefield, infamous as 'Monster Mansion' due to its Victorian structure and history of housing notorious criminals, an independent probe delved into the events leading up to his passing.

Farrant went on the run after the rape and murder of his ex-partner Glenda Hoskins, 44, in Portsmouth and attempting to murder Ann Fidler, 45, in Eastleigh back in 1996, before he ended up captured in France.

Earlier this month, after his death in May, scrutiny of the ombudsman's findings about Farrant's death uncovered that relatives contested why a compassionate release was not granted, reports Yorkshire Live.

Detailing correspondence with the family, the published ombudsman report revealed: "The Ombudsman's office contacted Mr Farrant's next of kin to explain the investigation and to ask if they had any matters they wanted us to consider. They asked about some missed hospital appointments and asked why Mr Farrant had not been released on compassionate grounds."

After being diagnosed with cancer in April, the killer rapist prompted concern for Mrs Hoskins' family over the possibility of his early release on compassionate grounds. The family penned a fervent letter to the adjudication panel, insisting he remain incarcerated.

Authored by Mrs Hoskins' children Iain, Katie, and David Hoskin, the letter conveyed their intense opposition to any early release, expressing that such a decision would "make my blood boil" and could amount to a "national scandal".

"It appears grossly unjust if he is getting released early due to ill health and the words 'compassionate release' make my blood boil. Our mother was raped and murdered and subjected to months of terror and stalking by this vile creature - where's her compassion?

"He raped and drowned her and rolled her body up in a carpet for her daughter to find. Our mother died through the most violent and horrible ways why is this man afforded an early release for dignity in death which our mother was never afforded?"

Corresponding to these concerns, the recent ombudsman's report concluded satisfaction with the decision against Farrant's early release and the proper adherence to procedure. Additionally, the report found no concerning non-clinical reasons and recognised that Farrant had been provided with clinical care of 'good standard', as he would have expected in the community.