Parole board considers freeing serial killers

Ireland's first known serial killers have applied to be released from prison after 28 years, The Irish Times has learned.

Englishmen John Shaw and Geoffrey Evans were jailed in 1978 after they abducted two women and raped and murdered them. They were caught by gardaí in Galway as they prepared to abduct a third woman.

Informed sources last night said the two were likely to be released long before they serve their sentences of life plus 16 years and life plus 20 years. Both have applied to the Parole Board in recent months for release. No decision has yet been made, but their applications have not been rejected and are being considered.

The Parole Board has sought to clarify a number of issues surrounding the cases of both men, and has sent queries to the police in the UK. Sources said a final decision would probably be made by the board before Christmas.

If the Parole Board recommends their early release, the final decision as to whether they will be freed, and when, rests with the Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell.

If their release is recommended they would remain within the prison system for some time, and would be prepared for their full release with periods of training, temporary release and a spell at an open prison such as Shelton Abbey, Co Wicklow.

Evans and Shaw came to Ireland in 1976 while on the run from police in the UK after they raped three girls there. They decided to abduct, rape and kill a woman every week while in Ireland. They confessed the plan to gardaí after they were arrested. Both men, now in their late 50s, are originally from Lancashire. In August 1976, Ms Elizabeth Plunkett (23), a Dublin woman, was abducted by Shaw and Evans in Co Wicklow. She was raped, murdered, and her remains dumped in the sea.

The following month, they abducted Ms Mary Duffy (25), near Castlebar. She was held captive for a number of days, and was raped before being murdered.

Her remains were recovered from a lake in Co Galway.

The men were arrested in Salthill, Galway, in September 1976. They later told gardaí that at the time of their arrest they had identified a woman who they intended to be their third victim.

In February 1978, Shaw was sentenced to life for the murder of Ms Duffy. He also received 14 years for rape and two years for false imprisonment. In December of the same year, Evans was jailed for life for the murder of Ms Duffy. He was also jailed for 20 years for the rape of Ms Duffy and Ms Plunkett.

Two years ago Shaw was transferred from Arbour Hill prison, Dublin, to Castlerea prison, Co Roscommon. His transfer to the low-security jail sparked speculation that his release might be imminent. However, this was dismissed.

At the time Ms Duffy's family said they feared both Shaw and Evans would be released. Speaking to The Irish Times in January of last year, Ms Duffy's brother, Mr Michael Duffy, said the family would fight the men's release.

"We understand life plus 14 years to mean that Shaw would not ever be released. After his appalling crimes, how can the authorities decide he is no threat to society?"