Parole board told of killer's 'monstrous past' shame

A killer who stabbed a woman 60 times during sex feels "shame" about his "monstrous past", a parole hearing has heard.

Steven Ling, a farm worker, was jailed for life in December 1998 after murdering Joanne Tulip, 29, in Stamfordham, Northumberland, on Christmas Day a year earlier.

On the second day of Ling's public parole hearing, two psychologists said they were recommending he be released.

During the first day of Ling's fifth parole hearing, the victim's mother Doreen Soulsby said the proceedings were a "farce" after it was announced the killer would give evidence in private.

A psychologist, instructed by the prisoner, and referred to as B, was asked whether Ling would be able to handle media scrutiny if he was released.

She said: "There is no doubt there would be a very difficult month to six weeks in the community, but the intrusion is not about having to give a very, very detailed account of all the monstrous things he has done in the past."

Psychologist A, instructed by the prison, said: "Shame has been an ongoing factor which will never disappear for him."

Both witnesses recommended Ling's release from prison on a risk management plan.

Psychologist A said she believed the risk Ling posed was "not imminent" and was "manageable in the community", adding: "I believe that now means his risk is at a level where he does not need to be kept in prison any more."

The panel heard that a past risk assessment identified a number of factors that led to Ling attacking Ms Tulip.

These included preoccupation with sex, interest in indecent exposure, entitlement towards sex and a negative attitude towards women.

The assessment also identified issues in Ling's own self-worth and self-esteem.

However, both psychologists agreed that there was no evidence of an enduring interest in inflicting violence to achieve sexual gratification.

Psychologist B said: "I think what we have is a much clearer history of something which I think is difficult to explain but often encountered, which is a fantasy that coercion will quickly move into seduction."

Asked if he appreciated the "gravity" of his offending, on his victim's family, psychologist A said it was something Ling talked about which was "helpful" in deterring him from straying into unhealthy thoughts.

Psychologist B said: "He will refer to himself as a monster when talking to me.

"He has talked about the struggle to come to terms with the person he was that night, leading up to it as well."

She added that "revisiting the enormity of the offence" could stop Ling becoming "complacent".

The parole hearing continues.

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