The family of a mother murdered in a devastating shotgun and fire attack more than 20 years ago has called for one of the suspected killers to be tried in his absence. The 'execution' of Walton mother-of-three Lucy Hargreaves remains one of Merseyside's most violent murders, with the prime suspect still at large.
Background of the Case
Kevin Parle, a privately educated man of large stature, was named by prosecutors as one of three men who burst into Ms. Hargreaves' home in August 2005 and shot her three times with a sawn-off shotgun as she slept on her sofa. Parle, who was on police bail for the murder of teenager Liam Kelly the previous year, fled the country after the attack and has not been seen since.
Manhunt and Public Appeals
Parle has been listed among the UK's most wanted criminals by the National Crime Agency (NCA). Despite reported sightings in Spain, Australia, and Dubai, no confirmed leads have emerged. A £10,000 Crimestoppers reward remains unclaimed. Over 20 people have been arrested in connection with Ms. Hargreaves' death, but two men, Tony Downes and Kirk Bradley, walked free from the same trial due to insufficient evidence.
Family's Call for Trial in Absence
Ms. Hargreaves' loved ones have endured ongoing trauma and lack of justice. A spokesperson for the Justice for Lucy Hargreaves campaign group stated: 'We wish to support the growing campaign to put Kevin Parle on trial in his absence. We believe this is in the interest of all victims of crime who become victims of judicial abuse.'
The family supports similar calls for justice for Liam Kelly, allegedly murdered by Parle. They argue that Parle should not have been on bail when involved in Ms. Hargreaves' murder and then absconded. Merseyside Police's three-year review of evidence could support a trial in absentia, they believe.
Legal Precedent and Political Support
Trials in absence are rare in the UK but possible if the defendant waives their right to attend or if the trial can be fair without them. However, Parle has never been charged by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in either case. Local MPs Kim Johnson and Dan Carden have voiced support for the family, calling for action and urging anyone with information to come forward.
Police and CPS Response
Howard Rubbery, head of Merseyside Police's serious crime review unit, confirmed an ongoing comprehensive review, which will be discussed with the family upon completion. A CPS spokesperson expressed sympathy but noted no further evidence has been referred for a charging decision.
The Fugitive's Profile
Parle, now 45 and known as 'Hemp' or 'Joseph', stands nearly two meters tall with red hair, a scar, and glasses. Despite extensive media coverage and a retired Scotland Yard detective's podcast series, no positive results have emerged from the manhunt. Alleged sightings have occurred in Spain, the United States, and Australia, with some speculating Parle may be dead.
The Murder
Ms. Hargreaves was asleep under a duvet when three men burst into her home on Lambourne Road. She was shot three times, and the killers doused the downstairs in petrol and set it alight, despite her two-year-old daughter being upstairs. Her partner Gary Campbell escaped with the toddler through a window. Efforts to rescue Ms. Hargreaves failed.
Previous Murder of Liam Kelly
Parle was on bail for the shooting of Liam Kelly, 16, in June 2004. Kelly was ambushed on Grafton Street and shot with a shotgun. The murder was linked to a dispute over £200. Anthony Campbell pleaded guilty to arranging the murder and received a life sentence. Others involved were convicted for assisting Parle, who had already fled.
Downes and Bradley, both serving life sentences for unrelated crimes, were tried alongside Adam McNally for the Hargreaves murder but acquitted. The family has raised concerns about the police investigation, including phone evidence, lack of CCTV, and the scope of charges, with a complaint upheld by the police watchdog.
