Man who murdered four at party denied parole
A man who served 36 years in prison for the murder of four individuals during a dinner gathering has been unsuccessful in his attempt for parole.
George Stephenson, aged 72, received a prison sentence in 1987 for the heinous crimes involving murder, rape, and robbery.
According to Melissa Cleaver, the daughter of Joseph and Hilda Cleaver, aged 82, alongside their son Tom, 47, and Maggie Murphy, 70, they were subjected to being drenched in petrol and set ablaze during the tragic incident in Fordingbridge, Hampshire. Melissa also recounted the fatal strangulation of her mother Wendy by another assailant during the attack.
John Daly, a co-defendant, was found guilty of murdering the 46-year-old woman at Burgate House. Testimony at Winchester Crown Court detailed the original intention of Daly, his brother George, and Stephenson to pilfer shotguns from the property.
The harrowing account by Ms Cleaver detailed the binding, gagging, and immolation of her father, grandparents, and Ms Murphy, the family nurse. She expressed relief at the Parole Board’s decision to deny George Stephenson’s parole bid, stating, “They endured several agonising minutes. My mother suffered a sadistic, vicious gang rape and unspeakable torment before being strangled to death. Our beloved dog was savagely attacked with a pickaxe and had to be euthanised. Words cannot convey the extent of our relief knowing Stephenson’s parole was refused.”
Initially recommended a minimum term of 25 years, Stephenson’s sentence was subsequently extended to 35 years. The Parole Board, considering the nature of his crimes, his conduct during imprisonment, and evidence presented during the hearing, deemed his release unsafe for public protection. Stephenson’s plea to transfer to an open prison was also rejected, citing his lack of empathy and demonstrated capacity for manipulation and deception.
Stephenson will be eligible to reapply for parole in two years’ time.
