Mick Philpott, convicted of killing six of his children in a house fire, is preparing to apply for parole, with his eligibility date set for next May, according to reports.
Philpott set fire to his home with his six children sleeping inside, intending to stage a rescue and blame his former lover amid a custody dispute. The plan, however, backfired when an excessive amount of petrol caused the fire to spread out of control, resulting in the deaths of Duwayne, 13, Jade, 10, John, 9, Jack, 8, Jesse, 6, and Jayden, 5.
A source told The Sun that Philpott has been motivated by news of potential early releases for inmates, though these plans do not apply to his case. He has reportedly told friends that he believes he has been rehabilitated after 14 years in prison.
Philpott, who had a history of offenses including stabbing a former girlfriend, was known for a lifestyle funded by benefits, which police estimated to bring him an annual income of £60,000. He previously appeared on the Jeremy Kyle show discussing his relationships.
Following the fire, Philpott engaged in an elaborate deception, appearing at a press conference to appeal for information and displaying grief alongside his wife, Mairead. During a period of surveillance, Philpott was recorded advising his wife to maintain their fabricated story.
The judge presiding over the case described Philpott's actions as a "wicked and dangerous plan" that was beyond the understanding of any reasonable person. Philpott is currently serving a life sentence for manslaughter 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.