The final perpetrator involved in the murder of Sophie Lancaster is poised to be released from prison following a review by the parole board, which concluded that he has taken steps to address his history of using violence.
Sophie, aged 20, was subjected to a brutal assault while trying to protect her boyfriend, Robert Maltby, from a group of intoxicated youths in Stubbylee Park, Lancashire, on August 11, 2007. The attackers later boasted about leaving “two moshers almost dead.”
The term ‘mosher’ was commonly used at that time to refer to individuals who were fans of hard rock or heavy metal music. Two weeks after the incident, Sophie’s mother had to make the agonizing decision to switch off her life support, as doctors confirmed she had no chance of recovery. Sophie passed away shortly after, while Robert Maltby survived the assault.
Ryan Herbert, from Bacup, and Brendan Harris were both handed life sentences in 2008 for their roles in the fatal attack on Sophie. Herbert was released in 2022, and now the parole board has granted Harris a similar release.
During the parole board hearing, Harris admitted to consuming alcohol before the attack and acknowledged his violent actions, including delivering the initial blow to the male victim. The board’s risk assessment highlighted factors that could contribute to Harris reoffending, such as his lifestyle choices, substance misuse, and struggles with managing intense emotions.
Harris had undergone treatment to address his violent tendencies while serving his sentence, including participating in a specialized program aimed at addressing various issues. The board noted positive feedback on Harris’s behavior and progress from witnesses at the hearing, leading to the approval of his release on license with specific conditions to ensure compliance and supervision.
The conditions for Harris’ release include residing at a designated address, maintaining good conduct, participating in an enhanced supervision program involving drug testing, adhering to a specified curfew, reporting at designated times, and undergoing alcohol monitoring.