Victims' family 'totally disgusted' after brutal Northampton murderer denied parole, but recommended for open prison

A Northampton man who killed his wife and two children nearly 21 years ago has been denied parole, but has been recommended for a transfer to an open prison, which has left his victims' family 'totally disgusted'.

Philip Austin murdered Claire Austin who was 31 and her two children, Keiran, eight, and Jade, seven, as well as their two dogs on July 10, 2000, at their Standens Barn home.

Austin pleaded guilty to all three murders and was sentenced to three concurrent life sentences to a total of 20 years.

The now 51-year-old murderer has reached the end of his 20-year sentence and was the subject of a Parole Board hearing on April 9.

At the hearing, Austin indicated that he was not seeking release, but that he would like to move to an open prison, where he would be given more freedoms and be subject to less supervision.

Board members denied parole, but recommended that Austin could be considered for a transfer to an open prison, after considering evidence from professionals who have worked with the offender.

The conclusion has left the family of the victims outraged and upset, as they believe time at an open prison is not justice for their loved ones.

Carol Quinn, the mother and grandmother of Austin’s victims, told Chronicle & Echo: “I’m totally disgusted.

“We have no such thing as British justice in this country anymore.

“I can’t believe that he is a killer but he might be let into open prison, which is the next best thing to being released, after only 20 years."

Prior to Austin’s parole hearing, Carol set up an online petition in a bid to get the Government to reconsider the meaning of a ‘life sentence’. Carole is hoping the petition can still gain traction. It can be found here.

Although the Parole Board recommended that Austin can be moved to a lower class prison, the decision is not final as it has to be passed by the Secretary of State and they denied parole as proposed limitations to Austin’s release were ‘not robust enough’.

The report by the Parole Board, following Austin’s hearing, said: “The panel examined the release plan provided by Mr Austin’s probation officer and weighed its proposals against assessed risks.

“The plan included a requirement to reside in designated accommodation as well as strict limitations on Mr Austin’s contacts, movements and activities.

“The panel concluded this plan was not robust enough to manage Mr Austin in the community at this stage.

“After considering the circumstances of his offending, the progress made while in custody and the evidence presented at the hearing, the panel was not satisfied that Mr Austin was suitable for release.

“However, on assessing the benefits and risks of Mr Austin transferring to open conditions, the panel recommended that he should be progressed in this way.”

The recommendation from the Parole Board will now be considered by the Secretary of State who will have the final decision on whether Austin is moved to an open prison.

Austin will also be eligible for another parole review in ‘due course’, according to the Parole Board hearing report.

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