The UK's longest-serving female prisoner, Maria Pearson, aged 70, is to be released after nearly 39 years behind bars following a Parole Board decision. Pearson was convicted in 1987 for the murder of Janet Newton, 23, whom she stabbed 17 times in a jealous rage after Newton became engaged to Pearson's ex-boyfriend. Originally sentenced to a minimum of 12 years, Pearson's repeated parole applications were denied due to concerns about her risk to the public, keeping her incarcerated for an additional 27 years.
Parole Board Decision
In a decision summary published on Tuesday, the Parole Board stated that Pearson's tenth parole assessment was successful, determining she no longer presents a substantial threat to society. The panel noted: "The panel was satisfied that imprisonment was no longer necessary for the protection of the public and that she poses no more than a minimal risk of further serious offending." However, the board described the judgment as "finely balanced" and imposed strict conditions on her release.
Conditions of Release
Pearson will be freed on licence under rigorous conditions, including living at a specified address, adhering to a curfew enforced by electronic monitoring for one year, and avoiding contact with Janet Newton's family. These measures aim to manage the risk she poses, which community offender managers had assessed as "high risk of causing serious harm."
Victim's Family Reaction
Janet Newton's sister, Lynn, had implored the Parole Board not to release Pearson, calling her "Britain's most dangerous female prisoner." Lynn previously told the Mirror: "She is not only Britain's longest female prisoner but Britain's most dangerous female prisoner as well." She added: "Every time she applies for parole I have had to write the victim impact letter on why she should not be released. When my sister died, I had nightmares for months afterwards - I'd wake up screaming. The nightmares and the sense of dread have begun again."
The Crime
The murder occurred in 1986 after Pearson developed obsessive jealousy towards her ex-partner's new girlfriend, Janet Newton. Two days after Janet became engaged to Malcolm Pearson, Maria confronted her and stabbed her 17 times in the chest, with the blade piercing her heart. Pearson, from Hartlepool, County Durham, had married Malcolm bigamously without divorcing her first husband, Sam Travers. Their relationship was described as "intense and stormy," and their baby was placed into care after a serious incident at their home.
Parole History
Pearson first became eligible for release 28 years ago, but repeated applications were denied, leading campaigners to dub her Britain's "forgotten inmate." In 2006, a proposal to move her to an open prison was dismissed by then Home Secretary John Reid. Her ninth parole review in 2023 determined she was not fit for release due to the severity of the murder, her conduct in custody, and evidence presented.
Risk Assessment and Support for Release
According to the Parole Board summary, Pearson demonstrated "mixed progress" while incarcerated, participating in psychotherapy and completing a thinking skills programme, but also showing "ongoing challenges" in professional relationships. While some experts deemed her a high risk of serious harm, others believed her risk could be safely managed in the community. The panel stated: "The panel accepted that Ms Pearson presents a risk of harm, particularly in situations where she feels distressed, challenged or under pressure. However, it concluded that the risk of serious violent reoffending is low, noting the absence of comparable behaviour over many years in custody and the specific circumstances of the original offence." Her prison offender manager, lead clinical psychologist, and operational manager of the enhanced offender management service supported her release.
