Killer who raped and drowned frail mum in bath in horrific attack to be FREED from prison after 25 years behind bars

A KILLER who raped and drowned a frail mum in the bath is set to be freed from prison after 25 years behind bars.

Michael Wade murdered Jean Whitfield in a horrific attack at her flat in Gateshead near Newcastle in August 1999.

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Jean, 42, suffered from arthritis and weighed just seven stone when Wade forced his way into her home.

Wade beat and raped the vulnerable mum before drowning her in her own bath.

Jean's partner Denis Fallon found her body underwater when he got home from work later that day.

Evil Wade had been released from prison just months before the brutal attack.

He was jailed for life with a minimum term of 20 years after being convicted of Jean's rape and murder.

Jean's sister Joan Robinson has fought tirelessly to keep Wade behind bars.

But his fourth application for parole has now been approved after a panel decided he is safe to be released early next year.

Joan, 62, told the Chronicle: "I knew this day would come, but I'm absolutely devastated.

"I don't know what's changed to make them think he's alright to be released now.

"I'm in the same place I was 20 odd years ago and I have been campaigning to keep him inside.

"From what they have said he's not allowed back in this area, but he's obviously not someone who abides by rules."

The Parole Board heard how Wade displayed "anti-social and paranoid behaviour" at the time of Jean's murder.

Wade had "negative attitudes to women" and found "intimate relationships" difficult.

The hearing was also told he "bore grudges, had a low tolerance for frustration and would be quick to show aggression and anger".

But the panel heard Wade has completed programmes to address his sexual offending and alcohol problems in prison.

All the professional witnesses who gave evidence to the panel recommended that Wade be released.

A hearing summary concludes: "The panel considered the circumstances of his offending, the progress made while in custody and the evidence presented.

"The panel was satisfied that imprisonment was no longer necessary for the protection of the public."

But Joan is now planning to appeal against the Parole Board's decision.