Mick Philpott, the arsonist father who killed six of his children in a house fire, is preparing to apply for parole, according to reports. Philpott, who is serving a life sentence, will be eligible for parole next May.
Philpott deliberately set fire to his home with his six children sleeping inside, intending to rescue them and blame his lover amid a custody dispute. The plan failed when the fire became uncontrollable, resulting in the deaths of Duwayne, 13; Jade, 10; John, 9; Jack, 8; Jesse, 6; and Jayden, 5.
Sources suggest Philpott has been emboldened by discussions around early inmate releases, though these plans do not apply to his sentence. He has reportedly told friends that he believes he has been rehabilitated after 14 years in prison. Philpott was known for a lavish lifestyle, reportedly funded by benefits totaling £60,000 annually, and previously appeared on the Jeremy Kyle show discussing having a child with both his wife and mistress.
He had also been jailed previously for stabbing a schoolgirl lover. Following the fire, Philpott engaged in an elaborate deception, appealing for information and appearing tearful at press conferences alongside his wife. During surveillance, Philpott was overheard telling his wife to "stick to your story." The judge characterized the plot as a "wicked and dangerous plan."
Philpott remains incarcerated at HMP Wakefield in West Yorkshire. His parole application will require an assessment by the Parole Board to determine if he still poses a risk to the public.