A man convicted of two murders has been released early from prison, causing outrage among the family of one of his victims. Andrew McVicar, who committed his first murder at the age of 15 by slashing a man’s throat with a broken bottle in Dunstable in 1999, was imprisoned again for killing a pensioner during a burglary in Hullbridge 19 years later.
McVicar, who was sentenced to 12 years for the second murder, has been granted parole after serving only seven years. Following his release, he posted pictures on social media flaunting his muscles, further angering the public.
The mother of McVicar’s first victim expressed her shock and disgust at his early release, stating her disbelief that he was allowed out despite having two life sentences. Another source close to the victims criticized the decision, emphasizing that McVicar should never have been released after taking two lives.
The second victim died from severe injuries sustained during a robbery where McVicar and his accomplice assaulted him outside his home. McVicar was apprehended after a manhunt was launched, and he was found with a substantial amount of money in his possession. Despite attempting to evade capture, he was eventually caught and arrested.
The Ministry of Justice confirmed McVicar’s release, stating that decisions to release life-sentenced prisoners are made by the independent Parole Board after a thorough risk assessment. The released prisoners are placed under probation supervision for life and can be sent back to prison if they violate their parole conditions.
