Maria Pearson, who has served nearly four decades in prison for the 1986 murder of her ex-boyfriend's new partner, has been granted parole and is set to be released. The decision by the Parole Board comes despite assessments from offender managers indicating she poses a high risk of causing serious harm.
Pearson, 70, has spent almost 39 years incarcerated for fatally stabbing Janet Newton 17 times in October 1986, two days after her former partner became engaged to Ms. Newton. Pearson was convicted of murder in 1987 and given a minimum sentence of 12 years. Her case has been characterized by repeated parole rejections, leading some to label her the UK's 'forgotten inmate.'
Release Conditions and Risk Assessment
The Parole Board described its decision as 'finely balanced.' Pearson's release is contingent upon strict adherence to license conditions for at least 12 months. These include GPS tracking, a curfew, residing at a designated address, and abiding by exclusion zones. She is also prohibited from contacting the victim's family and must disclose the start or end of any new relationships.
While prison-instructed psychologists assessed her as posing a moderate to high risk of future serious offending, citing concerns about her response to authority, a psychologist instructed by Pearson concluded the probability of reoffending was low. An independent psychologist supported her release, stating the risk was manageable in the community and that the circumstances of the original offense were highly specific and unlikely to recur.
Pearson's own offender manager, lead clinical psychologist, and operational manager of the enhanced offender management service, all of whom have worked with her for several years, supported her release. They indicated that while her behavior could be challenging, her risk could be managed in the community with appropriate support. The Parole Board concluded that Pearson's risk of serious violent reoffending is low, noting the absence of comparable behavior during her long incarceration and the unique nature of the initial crime.
Background and Victim's Family Concerns
Pearson, from Hartlepool, committed the murder during a period of intense jealousy after her ex-boyfriend began a relationship with Ms. Newton, a building society worker. Pearson had stalked Ms. Newton and sent hate letters to her mother. The victim was 23 years old at the time of her death.
Relatives of Janet Newton had pleaded for Pearson to remain imprisoned, with Ms. Newton's sister expressing fear and dread at the prospect of her release. She stated that she could never forgive Pearson for taking her sister's life and for what the family has endured since.
Pearson's case has previously drawn attention, including in 2006 when then-Home Secretary John Reid rejected a Parole Board recommendation for her transfer to an open prison. Pearson had called that decision 'irrational' and 'politically motivated.' Her ninth parole review in 2023 also resulted in a ruling against her release due to the nature of the murder, her behavior in custody, and other evidence presented.