Drongan: Michelle Stewart Killer’s Parole Hearing Approaches
The parole hearing for Michelle Stewart’s killer is set for January 15, raising concerns among her family and supporters about his potential release
Drongan, Michelle Stewart, John Wilson, Parole Hearing, Justice
Drongan: The tragic story of Michelle Stewart has been a tough one for her family. Since she was murdered in 2008 at just 17, her loved ones have been on a mission. They want better support for families affected by serious crime.
To raise awareness, they created Michelle’s Law. It highlights the struggles they’ve faced, especially the lack of transparency in the justice system.
Michelle’s killer, John Wilson, has been denied parole four times already. His fifth hearing was postponed back in September, and now the family is waiting for a decision on January 15.
Wilson, who sometimes goes by Sanken, was sentenced to life and had to serve 12 years before even being considered for parole.
The family hopes that if he is released, he won’t be allowed to return to Ayrshire. Michelle’s sister, Lisa, has expressed how the family feels trapped in a nightmare.
She said they just want closure, but it’s hard to know what that even means. There’s not much support for families in their situation, but they’re determined to keep fighting for Michelle’s memory.
The Michelle’s Law campaign group announced that a decision will finally be made on Wednesday after the parole hearing on September 25, 2024. They’re frustrated by the long wait.
They believe that if the parole board can’t make a decision right away, it might mean they don’t think Wilson is safe to release. Any doubt should lead to a refusal, not more delays.
The group plans to share the decision as soon as they hear back. For the sake of all women, they’re hoping for a refusal.