Thug jailed for killing brave dad-of-three Garry Newlove could face months longer in tougher prison

A THUG jailed for killing brave dad-of-three Garry Newlove has seen his path to freedom blocked.

A Parole Board had recommended Jordan Cunliffe be sent to a cushy open prison.

But Justice Secretary Robert Buckland stepped in after ruling there was not “a wholly acceptable rationale” for the move.

The decision means Cunliffe, 28, faces being kept locked up in a tougher “closed” jail for months before another parole hearing.

A source said: “He’ll be gutted. The path to release seemed on. But many will feel it's nothing less than he deserves.”

Cunliffe, then 16, was one of three yobs who kicked salesman Garry's head “like a football” in an attack outside his home in Warrington, Cheshire, in 2007.

He had been trying to stop a gang of youths from vandalising his wife’s car.

Cunliffe was convicted of murder and sentenced to at least 12 years in prison in 2008.

He had been set for freedom after impressing officials with his behaviour — despite officers finding a boozy party going on in his cell.