Speedboat killer Jack Shepherd has reportedly been granted a new parole bid, which could lead to his release within months. Shepherd, who was released midway through a ten-year sentence for causing the death of Charlotte Brown in a boating incident and assaulting a barman, was recently sent back to prison for violating the conditions of his release.
The web designer, hailing from Exeter, Devon, now has the opportunity to present his case for freedom to a panel, with a hearing expected to take place before Christmas. If successful, he could be back on the streets shortly thereafter, a move that is likely to spark outrage among Brown’s family members who had previously stated that prison was the appropriate place for Shepherd.
Shepherd was sentenced to six years in prison following Ms. Brown’s tragic death. The incident occurred when he took her on a champagne-fueled date on his small, unsafe speedboat on the River Thames, resulting in her drowning after being thrown overboard. Despite being rescued, Shepherd fled to Georgia, only to be tried in absentia in 2018.
While Ms. Brown’s family has not publicly commented on the recent developments, her mother, Roz Wickens, expressed ongoing anguish, emphasizing the pain of not knowing the full truth about her daughter’s final moments. The Parole Board confirmed that Shepherd’s case has been referred for review, following standard procedures focused on assessing the risk he poses to the public and evaluating any behavioral changes since his conviction. Members of the board will meticulously examine evidence and statements from various sources before making a decision on Shepherd’s potential release.