Police killer Harry Roberts released after 48 years in Cambridgeshire prison

Roberts, now 78, was given a 30-year minimum sentenced of which he served 48 years.

14:29 12 November 2014

Notorious police killer Harry Roberts, now 78 years old, has been released from prison. Originally sentenced to minimum of 30 years to life, he was released after serving 48 years in prison.

 

On Tuesday, the convicted killer, was released from Littlehey Prison in Cambridgeshire in a move that was condemned by victims’ relatives. 

 

Roberts shot and killed Sgt Christopher Head, 30, and 25-year-old Det Con David Wombwell when they approached a van containing Roberts and other two gang members following an armed robbery. 

 

Meanwhile, Steve White, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, told BBC Radio 5 live: "Police officers up and down the country will be absolutely furious and disgusted that Harry Roberts has been released."

 

The Ministry of Justice responded by saying that there were “public protection arrangements” in place to managed released prisoners. 

 

A spokesman said: "Offenders on life sentences are subject to strict controls for as long as their risk requires them.” 

 

"If they fail to comply with these conditions they can be immediately returned to prison."