Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson is to launch an inquiry into why a driver was released on parole three weeks before he killed a pedestrian.

Donovan Kitching was jailed for ten years after causing the death of grandmother Gwen Valentine in April last year. Kitching had just been released on parole from the prison.

Mr Watterson is seeking Tynwald approval for an inquiry to be established by the Council of Ministers to determine whether there were any deficiencies in the prison, probation and parole services relating to this case and more generally, and to make recommendations to promote public confidence in the early release of prisoners on parole.

The Department of Home Affairs does not have any statutory powers to establish an inquiry to look into the work or performance of the prison and probation service. Mr Watterson's motion to Tynwald next week would invoke the powers of the Inquiries Act.


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