Killer of headteacher Philip Lawrence to be released from prison

The killer of the headteacher Philip Lawrence will be released from prison, the Parole Board has confirmed.

Learco Chindamo, 33, was 15-years-old when he stabbed the father of four outside St George's School in Maida Vale, north west London, in 1995.

The 48-year-old head teacher had gone to help a 13-year old who was being assaulted following an altercation at the school's gate when he was knifed to death by the teenager.

Chindamo was jailed indefinitely following his conviction at the Old Bailey in 1996 and served 14 years until he was released in June 2010. He was sent back to prison later that year for breaching the terms of his parole.

A spokesperson for the Parole Board said: "We can confirm that a three member panel of the Board has directed the release of Learco Chindamo.

"The decision to release is a matter for the Board, which is independent - practical arrangements for the release are a matter for the Secretary of State. We are unable to comment further on the details of this case."

The re-release of life sentenced offenders is directed by the independent Parole Board once the board are satisfied inmates can be safely managed in the community and do not pose a serious threat. There is no right of appeal.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson added: "Their life licence lasts for the rest of their lives, and they may be recalled to prison at any time for breaching their licence conditions.

"Additionally, they will be subject to strict controls and restrictions for as long as their risk requires them."

Chindamo's probable release comes after Spanish teacher Ann Maguire was killed in front of her pupils at Corpus Christi College in Leeds on Monday.