Maria Pearson, who has served as the United Kingdom's longest-serving female prisoner, has been granted release by the Parole Board. The decision came after a panel concluded that Pearson, now 70, no longer presents a danger to the public.
Pearson was convicted in 1987 for the murder of Janet Newton, her ex-boyfriend's new partner. The court had described the 1986 killing as "cruel and vicious." At the time of the murder, Pearson, then 31, was in a bigamous marriage, still wedded to her first husband while involved with a second man. The situation escalated when her second partner met Newton and decided to end their marriage, leaving Pearson concerned about losing her home and custody of their child.
Evidence presented indicated that Pearson tracked Newton's movements before fatally attacking her as she left her house. Newton was 23 years old at the time of her death.
The Parole Board's assessment led to the decision for Pearson's release, marking the end of a decades-long incarceration for the Hartlepool resident.