Stamfordham killer Steven Ling feels shame at ‘monstrous’ crime

A psychologist, instructed by the prisoner, and referred to as B, was asked whether Ling would be able to handle media scrutiny if he was released.

She said: “There is no doubt there would be a very difficult month to six weeks in the community, but the intrusion is not about having to give a very, very detailed account of all the monstrous things he has done in the past.”

Psychologist A, instructed by the prison, said: “Shame has been an ongoing factor which will never disappear for him.”

Both witnesses recommended Ling’s release from prison on a risk management plan.

Psychologist A said she believed the risk Ling posed was “not imminent” and was “manageable in the community”, adding: “I believe that now means his risk is at a level where he does not need to be kept in prison any more.”