A mother whose son was murdered in a hit-and-run four years ago has expressed her profound distress after learning that two of his killers may be released early under new government legislation. Janice Lees, from Blackpool, described the prospect as a "bloody insult" to her and other victims' families.
Her son, Andrew Flamson, was fatally injured in Coventry in July 2022, a retaliatory act following a dispute over a £400 drug debt. Ashley Donald, the driver, was jailed for life in 2023 for murder, with a minimum term of 23 years. Three passengers, Carl Tomlinson and Callum Ayre among them, were also convicted of manslaughter. Tomlinson received a 13-year sentence, and Ayre was jailed for 12 years.
Ms Lees was recently notified by her Probation Service victim liaison officer that Tomlinson and Ayre are now eligible for early release, potentially within the next two years. This change stems from the Sentencing Act, which was passed in January. The Act introduces a new measure, known as The Progression Model, allowing offenders serving standard determinate sentences to be considered for release after half their term, rather than two-thirds.
The government's reforms are designed to address severe overcrowding within the prison system, with thousands of offenders reportedly set for early release from September. However, the retrospective application of these changes to existing sentences has drawn significant criticism. Ms Lees argued that the original sentences, handed down after a "fair trial," should be served in full.
She highlighted the emotional toll of the trial, where she was exposed to CCTV footage of her son's killing. For Ms Lees, the judge's original sentences were "firm and fair," and she believes the convicted individuals should complete their terms. She has since contacted her local MP, Lorraine Beavers, intending to challenge the policy and its impact on victims.