Double Rapist and Murderer Denied Parole Again

Anthony Entwistle, who was jailed for life in March 1988 for the murder of 16-year-old Michelle Calvy, has failed in another bid to be freed from prison.

Entwistle abducted Michelle while she was walking along a canal, raped and strangled her, and then dumped her body at a Tockholes beauty spot. The crime shocked the town of Blackburn.

Entwistle, then in his late 30s, carried out the attack just weeks after being released from a 10-year sentence for rape. He had previously served seven years for two similar offenses.

The Parole Board considered Entwistle's case last month after the killer, now in his 70s, indicated through his legal representative that he wished to be released or, failing that, transferred to an open prison.

A Parole Board document stated: "After considering the circumstances of his offending, the progress made while in custody and the other evidence presented at the hearing, the panel was not satisfied that Mr Entwistle was suitable for release. "Nor was a recommendation made to the Secretary of State that Mr Entwistle should be transferred to open prison."

The document highlighted Entwistle's predatory nature, his preference for violence in sexual encounters, and his lack of emotional control and empathy for his victims.

While Entwistle's behavior behind bars has been unproblematic, the Parole Board concluded that there was insufficient evidence of risk reduction and a lack of understanding by Entwistle of his key risk factors.

The document further stated: "The panel considered that there had essentially been no progress since Mr Entwistle's last parole review in 2018. As Mr Entwistle had not sufficiently reduced his risks to the public, he was appropriately located in custody. "Any benefits of a move to open conditions at this time were considered to be outweighed by the remaining risks that Mr Entwistle represents."

Entwistle was initially given a whole-life tariff, meaning he would die in prison. However, in March 2009, a High Court judge overturned this sentence and imposed a minimum 25-year tariff, making him eligible for parole.

This was Entwistle's fifth parole review since becoming eligible in 2012. His next review is scheduled for approximately two years from now.