A KILLER and rapist who murdered a Mum of three in a horrific attack has died in jail – as he was being prepared for release.
Vile Victor Farrant died from cancer in a jail healthcare unit after being recommended for freedom on compassionate grounds.
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He was handed a whole-life tariff after killing his ex-girlfriend Glenda Hoskins in Portsmouth- and attempting to murder another victim – in February 1996.
But in March, Glenda’s family were told Farrant, 74, was ill and could not be treated in prison, so could be freed.
Ministry of Justice officials contacted them to discuss geographical exclusion zones for Farrant, if he was let out on compassionate grounds.
Glenda’s son, Iain said the family were “railroaded” and slammed the planned move as “completely reckless”.
But they will now be spared the anguish of seeing Farrant freed, after he died at Wakefield Prison, West Yorkshire last weekend.
A source said: “Farrant died in the healthcare wing on Friday night.
“He was not a well man at the end, and was suffering a lot – not that anyone had that much sympathy.
“He had terminal cancer and had not had food or drink for a year or two.
“Farrant had also lost his speech and could not make himself heard on the phone.
“He had told other inmates he could not get comfortable at all and was in constant pain.
“Ironically, he never really got well enough to be released.
“It is probably for the best that he never won his freedom as it would have understandably upset the families of victims.
“However, he would not have been much of a threat had he come out, as he was so ill and would have been in hospital.”
‘TERRIBLE MURDER’
Farrant – one of Britain’s most notorious killers – was first jailed for rape, GBH and wounding in 1988.
He was handed a 12-year sentence but freed after seven, in November 1995.
In December 1995, he attacked Anne Fidler at her home in Eastleigh, Hants, battering her with wine bottles and an iron.
She survived, after being found in the kitchen by her husband, but could not remember the attack.
Six weeks later, he killed accountant Mrs Hoskins at her home in Portsmouth, holding her underwater in the bath. He had stalked his ex-girlfriend after being freed from prison.
He hid her body in the attic at her home and stole her car, fleeing in to Europe.
Mrs Hoskins’ then-15-year-old daughter, Katie, found her Mother’s body.
Former labourer Farrant was eventually found in the south of France and brought back to the UK to face trial.
When he was convicted of murder and attempted murder, Farrant was given a whole-life tariff.
A judge at Winchester Crown Court told him: “This murder was so terrible, and you are so dangerous, that in your case the sentence of life should mean just that.”
Last month, Cabinet Minister Penny Mordaunt – MP for Portsmouth North – wrote to Justice Secretary Alex Chalk urging him to keep Farrant behind bars.
She supported Mrs Hoskins’ children’s bid to keep him in jail and said in her letter: “Farrant should never be released.”
She added: “I find it deeply troubling that a man such as Farrant is being considered for release on compassionate grounds, when it is evident he displayed no compassion towards his victims.”
Ms Mordaunt stepped in after a multi-agency public protection (MAPPA) meeting was held to discuss the risk posed by Farrant.
Mrs Hoskins’ older son, Iain wrote to the panel, saying: “The words ‘compassionate release’ make my blood boil.
“Our mother was murdered and subjected to terror and stalking by this vile creature – where’s her compassion?”
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Farrant spent his final years at HMP Wakefield – often dubbed ‘Monster Mansion – alongside killers including Jeremy Bamber and Kamel Bourgass and paedo ex-Lostprophets pop star Ian Watkins.
A Prison Service spokesperson said: “Victor Farrant died on 3 May at HMP Wakefield. As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman has been informed.”
