Parole Reversal
Steven Allan, an electrician convicted of the manslaughter of banker Paul Mason, faced a dramatic denial of his early release by parole authorities in a last-minute turn of events.
Allan, who brutally assaulted Paul Mason outside The Ivy, was initially scheduled to be released on parole just nine months into his three-year jail term for the manslaughter conviction.
Denial of Early Release
The decision to block Allan’s early release came after MailOnline highlighted his impending release, provoking probation authorities to reconsider. As a result, Allan, 35, will now be considered for release only after Boxing Day, delaying his potential release into the New Year.
Family’s Relief and Plea for Justice
Expressing relief at the decision, Paul Mason’s sister, Rachel Mason, emphasized the significance of Allan remaining incarcerated over the Christmas period.
She called for a reconsideration of manslaughter sentencing guidelines, expressing concerns about the brief incarceration period for the assailant.
Fatal Assault and Legal Proceedings
The fatal incident occurred when Allan, under the influence, attacked Mr. Mason outside The Ivy Club, causing him severe injuries that ultimately led to his death six months later.
Despite Allan’s admission of manslaughter, a jury’s deliberation found him not guilty of murder in a retrial at the Old Bailey.
Victim Impact and Legal Response
Ms. Mason’s victim impact speech revealed the distressing aftermath of the incident, including the loss of her brother Simon to alcoholism shortly after Paul’s death.
Despite public outcry and a petition signed by over 60,000 individuals, the Attorney General decided against referring Allan’s sentence to the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.
Government and Legal Standpoint
While acknowledging public sentiments surrounding the unprovoked attack, Solicitor General Michael Tomlinson stressed that Allan’s case did not meet the threshold for a sentencing review.
Labour’s Emily Thornberry expressed disappointment at this decision, calling for more robust government action to support bereaved families.
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