Inquiry launched into why prisoner was released early before killing pedestrian

A public inquiry will begin in October into how an offender came to be released early from jail only to kill a walker in a hit and run collision.

Donovan Bradley Kitching was jailed for 10 years and 72 days last October after admitting causing the death by dangerous driving of Gwen Valentine in April last year.

Her family had called for changes to prison and probation procedures after it emerged that Kitching had been released from jail under licence only three weeks before the tragedy.

Tynwald last month voted unanimously for a public inquiry into the circumstances of Kitching’s early release.

Now it has been announched that the inquiry is to be conducted by respected retired lawyer and chairman of the former Financial Supervision Commission Geoff Karran. It will be held in two parts, starting towards the end of October, it has now been confirmed.

In Tynwald last month, Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK said he had met with Mrs Valentine’s son, Stuart, and given a commitment to establish an independent inquiry into the circumstances of Kitching’s release from prison on parole.

He told the court: ‘I should make it clear I have no reason to suspect at this time that the current procedures were not followed in relation to this specific instance.

‘It could be bad luck, but it also could have been bad judgement or bad process that culminated in Mrs Valentine’s death.

‘However, when such a tragedy occurs, in my view it is essential that we make sure any action necessary is taken to protect the public, and this investigation will discover any changes that may be required.’

The main purpose of the inquiry will be to establish why it was deemed appropriate to release Kitching early on parole and determine whether there were any deficiencies in the practices or procedures of the Prison and Probation Service and the Parole Committee.

Mr Karran will be asked to make recommendations for any changes to ensure public confidence in the parole system is maintained.

The first part of the public inquiry will be held on Monday, October 26, in the lecture theatre at the Department of Home Affairs’ Homefield base on Woodbourne Road in Douglas, starting at 10am.

This will focus on practices and procedures and will continue onto the Tuesday and Wednesday of that week if necessary.

The second part of the inquiry will look at the specific circumstances of Kitching’s release. No date has yet been set for this.

Anyone wishing to make representations about the issues which form the focus of the inquiry can do so in writing to Mr Karran, Ballaleigh, Alexander Drive, Douglas, IM2 3QX by September 25.