Victim's daughter appalled by killer's prison move

The daughter of a woman who was raped and murdered by a shoe fetishist has said she was "shocked and appalled" by the recommendation to move him to an open prison.

Christopher Farrow, now 63, stabbed mother-of-two Wendy Speakes 11 times after raiding her shoe drawer, tying her up with a pair of tights and attacking her at her home in Wakefield.

In 2000, six years after the attack, he was sentenced to a minimum term of 18 years in prison and concurrent sentences for a host of other violent sexual offences.

Mrs Speakes' daughter, Tracey Millington Jones, said the recommendation to move him to the lowest security category of prison was "reckless".

"Farrow cold-bloodedly and premeditatedly murdered my mother, having stalked women both before and after her death," she said.

"He harbours a deeply rooted hatred of women and has exhibited violent urges to kill when experiencing anger or difficulties in relationships."

Farrow, originally from Cookridge in Leeds, was moved to an open prison in 2018 when his minimum term ended but was returned to a closed jail the next year due to a number of cold case investigations taking place.

The Parole Board confirmed he was no longer a person of interest to police.

The recent decision is the fourth time the father-of-three was denied for release, following hearings in 2018, 2020 and 2023.

Ms Millington Jones added: "Only 22 months ago, he was deemed too great a risk to be released. What has changed in such a short time to now justify this decision?

"There can be no guarantee that he no longer poses a danger – because, in reality, there is none."

A decision summary from the parole board stated Farrow had completed "extensive" work in custody including sessions with a psychologist, but only recent work had allowed professionals to say he showed insight into his offending.

The board heard he completed an accredited programme to address "offence-related sexual thoughts" in 2024.

The summary stated: "The panel was not satisfied that release at this point would be safe for the protection of the public.

"It was recommended that he should continue to strengthen his skills and have a slow transition back into the community via the open estate."

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood will make the final decision whether to accept the recommendation.

Ms Millington Jones added: "I am deeply shocked and appalled by the recommendation.

"I urge [the government] to reject it and prioritise the safety of women by preventing a serial stalker and murderer from being reintegrated into society."

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