Killer appealing to be moved to open prison

A man who killed his ex-girlfriend in a "frenzied" knife attack is bidding to be moved to an open prison after the Probation Service said he had "no further work" to carry out in custody, the Court of Appeal heard.

Karl Oakley, of Luton, was given life and a minimum tariff of 15 years in 2009 for the manslaughter of 18-year-old student Taylor Burrows.

He is challenging the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) over a decision to refuse to transfer him to open conditions.

MoJ barristers said the department had "clear and recognised expertise in assessing risk and in making the judgments necessary for categorisation and transfer decisions", and it did not have to follow Parole Board recommendations.

Oakley admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility after he stabbed Ms Burrows up to 40 times.

Jude Bunting KC, on behalf of Oakley, told the appeal court a panel, which included two specialist psychiatrists, found in 2021 that he was "suitable for open conditions" but this was rejected by the MoJ.

The court heard Oakley launched another bid to be moved in 2023, which was again refused, and in a further judgment in February 2024 it was ruled the MoJ "was entitled to come to the conclusion it had reached" and dismissed the claim.

Mr Bunting said in written submissions that the Parole Board also "has particular institutional expertise in the assessment of risk".

Sir James Eadie KC, representing the MoJ, said in written submissions that the department "can seek the Parole Board's advice on such issues" but is "free to agree or disagree with" recommendations.

Sir James said the ministry had "recognised the positive progress" Oakley had made, but found it is "necessary" for him to stay in a closed environment.

Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr, sitting alongside Lord Justice Davis and Lord Justice Davis, will give their ruling in writing at a later date.

In 2010, Oakley had his minimum jail term reduced on appeal to 12 years.

Oakley and Ms Burrows started a relationship in spring 2008 and he was banned from her family home when she started missing classes at Luton Sixth Form College.

In 2009, the court heard he became increasingly violent and had threatened to kill her the week before her death.

On 21 February 2009, he came to the Sainsbury's store where she worked threatening her again.

She sought shelter at her friend and neighbour's house that night but he forced his way inside before stabbing her in the head, arms and body.

Oakley fled and Ms Burrows died later in hospital.

The court heard he had a personality disorder caused by a troubled upbringing and had difficulty dealing with the breakdown of relationships.

He also had previous convictions for harassing and assaulting other girlfriends.

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