Backing for Monckton case inquiry

Hanson was released from prison three months before the murder

The probation officers' union has backed calls for an independent inquiry into the murder of banker John Monckton by a newly-released prisoner.

Damien Hanson was dealt with by the probation service rather than the multi-agency approach usually used to monitor the most dangerous offenders.

Napo deputy general secretary Harry Fletcher told the BBC any "procedural failings" needed to be addressed.

An inquiry should also examine the parole board release decision, he said.

Hanson, 24, of no fixed address, came out of prison three months before he murdered Mr Monckton at his home in Chelsea in November 2004. He was seven years into a 12-year jail sentence for attempted murder.

New arrangements

The Home Office is expected to order a public inquiry into the case.

Mr Fletcher told BBC Radio 4's Today programme new arrangements now mean the cases of dangerous prisoners are reviewed every two years while they are serving their sentences.

We need to reinforce the training and quality of training of those who are in charge of the early release system Edward Garnier, shadow home affairs minister Questions over early release Jury hears about convictions

An independent inquiry "should look at reasons why this man was let out on parole and also look at the supervision plans," he said.

"Any findings should be acted upon without delay to minimise the possibility of any further tragedy and to maximise public protection, particularly any procedural failings," he said.

Prison Reform Trust director Juliet Lyon said there appeared to be "mistakes at every level".

"In the main, when people are supervised they are much less likely to offend than when they are simply released," she added.

Training call

Conservative MP Edward Garnier, shadow home affairs minister and a part-time judge, said the case was a "terrible reflection" both on the justice system and in particular the probation service.

"We need to reinforce the training and quality of training of those who are in charge of the early release system and post-release supervision system," he said.

"But further we need to ask the government why are so many people, and particularly, why are so many dangerous people being released early from their sentences."

An official assessment had calculated Hanson's chances of committing another violent offence were 91%.

But BBC home affairs correspondent Danny Shaw said it was not clear when the assessment was written as Hanson's release would not have been sanctioned had the parole board thought the finding was still relevant.