A lady abducted by a drug addict hours after he killed the daughter of a judge has expressed concern that the “monster” may soon be released.
Debbie Vangerko was 17 years old in 1997 when Nicholas Burton held her at knifepoint for 11 hours.
Rachel McGrath, 27, the daughter of a district judge, was fatally stabbed in a random assault as she waited in a pub car park in Bramhall, Cheshire, for her partner. The ‘very dangerous’ drug user had killed her hours earlier.
Later, Burton, who is now 51 years old, said he intended to rape and kill Miss Vangerko as well as locate a third victim.
Now, probation authorities have informed her that Burton’s release is imminent.
First interviewed since her trauma, 43-year-old Miss Vangerko criticized the Parole Board, which is presently under review by the government, as “not fit for purpose.” She said that it was time for victims’ rights to take priority over offenders’.
In April 1998, Burton was convicted of the murder of Miss McGrath, kidnapping, false imprisonment, and threat to kill Miss Vangerko, and was sentenced to three life terms.
Mr. Justice Morland referred to him as a “very dangerous man who would risk the lives of women perpetually” and said that he would propose that “no Home Secretary will likely ever permit your freedom.”
Despite this, and without the knowledge of either Miss Vangerko’s or Miss McGrath’s family, a minimum prison sentence of 25 years was subsequently imposed, which, with time spent prior to his trial, expires this year.
Miss Vangerko sobbed, “I am terrified.” I believed he was never going to emerge.
‘There is no deterrence. These beasts should not be let to escape. They are imprisoned, but released after a few years. There is no real justice. Leave him to rot, and our nation will be safer.’