Parole board chairman criticises media coverage of Murphy release

The chairman of the parole board has criticised the media pursuit of rapist Larry Murphy following his release from prison.

Gordon Holmes says that while Mr Murphy might not be the most deserving of sympathy, prisoners should be entitled to privacy after being released from jail.

He made the remarks on the publication of the parole boards annual report this afternoon.

Mr Holmes said: "When people serve their sentence and get out in accordance with law when sentenced by a judge, then surely they should be given some degree of liberty.

"They should be allowed to lead out their lives."