Heartbroken Partner Fumes Over Plans to Move Murderer to Open Prison

The devastated partner of a woman who was murdered by her Coronation Street-obsessed son has expressed deep anger over plans to move the convict to a low-security open prison.

Daniel Bartlam, then 14, brutally murdered his mother, Jacqueline, with a hammer in 2011 before setting her body on fire. The horrific crime sent shockwaves across the country, with Bartlam later admitting he had derived inspiration from watching scenes of violence on the popular soap opera.

Heartbroken stepdad Simon Matters expressed his disbelief at the Parole Board’s backing of Bartlam’s bid to be moved to an open prison, citing “good behaviour” as the reason. Matters told The Sun: “To say I’m stunned is an understatement. I just don’t want it.”

Bartlam’s Dark Connection to Coronation Street

Bartlam’s dark fascination with Corrie character John Stape, who himself had murdered a woman, reportedly influenced his actions. On his computer, Bartlam detailed a character called Daniel Bartlam engaging in various violent acts, including a murder plot eerily similar to his own.

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Horrifyingly, the police found a printed description of the character Daniel Bartlam killing his mother on Bartlam’s computer, which closely mirrored the scene of the actual murder. After setting his mother’s body on fire, Bartlam took his brother Dominic, then six, to “get help,” while convincing investigators of a fictional intruder.

The Parole Decision and Public Concern

Despite serving over 12 years of his 16-year sentence, the Parole Board recommended Bartlam’s transfer to an open prison, citing his good behaviour. This decision sparked intense controversy and concern from Bartlam’s stepdad, Simon Matters.

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Matters expressed his disagreement with the Parole Board’s decision, stating: “He toed the line over the years but that said he was a 14-year-old going to prison, I don’t think he had much of a choice.” He also questioned how anyone could be released for good behaviour after committing such a heinous crime.

The Parole Board’s Considerations

The Parole Board makes recommendations based on an extensive evaluation of each case. According to a Parole Board spokesman, “We will only make a recommendation for open conditions if a Parole Board panel is satisfied that the risk to the public has reduced sufficiently to be manageable in an open prison.” The decision involves reviewing a wide range of evidence, including psychological assessments and victim impact statements.