Family of M25 road rage victim devastated as killer Kenneth Noye WILL be released from prison after 19 years
The 71-year-old road rage killer murdered Stephen Cameron, 21, on May 19, 1996
THE family of a young man murdered in a notorious road rage attack have been left devastated as it was announced today his killer will be released from prison.
Gangland figure Kenneth Noye was jailed for life in 2000 after stabbing 21-year-old Stephen Cameron to death on the M25.
Noye, now 71, had attacked Cameron on the slip road of the motorway in Kent in May 1996 before going on the run and found in Spain two years later.
He was found guilty of murder and jailed for life at the Old Bailey in 2000, with a minimum of 16 years.
But a Parole Board panel today confirmed its decision to allow him to walk free after more than 19 years behind bars, finding he was "suitable for return to the community".
Cameron's dad Ken, 72, spoke of being "totally devastated" after receiving the news today.
He said: “I can’t believe they have made this decision.
“Life should mean life.
“I hoped this day would never come. I sort of knew it was coming, though - I was almost resigned to it. But it is still a complete kick in the teeth.
“It is a decision which is out of our hands. What can we do?
Stephen was denied a life by Noye on May 19, 1996 when he left him lying in the gutter and we are the ones who have had to live a life sentence
Ken, Stephen Cameron's dad
“He is going back on the streets when he should spend the rest of his days behind bars.
“Stephen was denied a life by Noye on May 19, 1996 when he left him lying in the gutter and we are the ones who have had to live a life sentence.
“There isn’t a day we don’t think of Stephen.”
WHAT THE BOARD SAYS
The Parole Board today confirmed the decision had been made after an oral hearing, stating "public safety" was the number one priority.
A spokesperson stated professional witnesses were "all of the view that Mr Noye had addressed his risk factors appropriately", adding that his risk to the public "would be manageable safely in the community".
They added: "The panel noted a number of protective factors (i.e. factors likely to reduce risk) including Mr Noye's current proven ability to control his emotions, his clear life goals, his relationships, and his proven ability to work with professionals and accept advice when it is needed."
On release, Noye will have to comply with a strict set of rules, including reporting as required for supervision or other appointments.
Underworld kingpin Noye had been involved in a life of crime before he was jailed in 2000.
The gangland figure had knifed an undercover cop to death in 1985 but was controversially acquitted of murder after claiming self-defence.
Months after his acquittal over the killing of detective John Fordham during the Brink’s-Mat bullion robbery probe, Noye got 14 years for handling stolen gold bars.
The 1983 robbery had become known as the "crime of the century" after six thieves stole more than £26 million worth of gold, diamonds and cash.
'ALL WE HAVE EVER WANTED IS JUSTICE'
After the Parole Board's decision was confirmed, Mr Cameron's father Ken told the BBC he was "gutted" and declined to comment to the Press Association because he "can't cope with it".
Today, Stephen's grieving dad revealed how he was "glad" his wife Toni had passed away after a short illness in April 2016 - meaning she wouldn't see their son's killer walk free.
The grieving dad added: “I’m only glad in a way Toni was not here to see Noye released because she would be devastated.
"Toni always said she only ever wanted him to come out of prison in a wooden box.
“We never wanted revenge for Stephen. All we have ever wanted is justice and justice would be life in jail.
“He can now go and live the rest of his life as a free man while our family still grieve for Stephen every day.”
Ken added: “I’m sure he’ll head off to a nice little bolt hole in Spain somewhere and live the good life.
“I’m absolutely gutted if I’m honest with you.”
Noye will turn 72 on Friday.
Ken said: “I bet he’ll be celebrating somehow. It’s quite hard to take.”
Kenneth Noye's life of crime
Kenneth Noye was jailed for life for the murder of 21-year-old Stephen Cameron in 2000.
But before being taken down for the brutal stabbing, Noye was one of the UK's most notorious gang members.
He had been involved in criminal activity from a young age - just five-years-old when he was caught stealing money from the Woolworths where his mum worked.
As a teen, he then went onto selling stolen bikes, even running a protection racket at his school.
From there, he became embroiled in a string of crimes...
- 1977: Turns informer after being arrested for receiving stolen goods.
- NOVEMBER 1983: Brought in to launder Brink’s-Mat gold.
- JANUARY 1985: Stabbed Brink’s-Mat cop to death in grounds of home in West Kingsdown, Kent.
- DECEMBER 1985: Jury clears Noye of murder after agreeing he acted in self-defence.
- JULY 1986: Jailed for 14 years for conspiring to handle Brink’s-Mat gold and evade VAT payments. 1994: Released.
- MAY 1996: Stabbed 21-year-old Stephen Cameron in a road rage attack on the M25 near Swanley, Kent.
- AUGUST 1998: Noye arrested in Barbate, Spain.
- APRIL 2000: Noye convicted of murder and given a life sentence.
- APRIL 2018: The Sun reveals pictures of Noye on day release from Standford Hill prison.
ROAD RAGE KILLER
Stephen was stabbed to death in a road rage attack on May 19, 1996.
The young man was with fiancée Danielle Cable, 17, on their way to buy bagels when he was involved in a road rage incident with Noye on the slip road of the M25 at Swanley, Kent. But Noye returned to his car, got out a knife and stabbed the youngster through the chest.
He died in the arms of distraught Danielle.
After the murder Noye fled to the Continent and had his car destroyed and replaced.
Police eventually tracked him down to a bolt hole on the Spanish mainland and detectives from Kent Police took Danielle to the resort where he was hiding and identified him in a restaurant in August 1998.
Noye was arrested and extradited back to the UK and was found guilty after an Old Bailey trial.
MOST READ IN NEWS
A recommendation to move him to an open prison was blocked by former Justice Secretary Michael Gove in 2015. But in 2017 Noye's lawyers went to the High Court and judges overturned the Government decision.
He was moved to Standford Hill open prison on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent. Noye was pictured on day release in April 2018 wearing an Adidas tracksuit.
Noye's wife Brenda and two sons Kevin and Brett still live in the county.
