Man jailed for life for role in ‘Essex Boys’ murders to be released after 27 years

A man convicted of the “Essex Boys” gangland murders can be released from prison, the Parole Board has said.

was jailed for life in 1998 for the killings of Tony Tucker, Pat Tate and Craig Rolfe along with his co-defendant Jack Whomes.

The three men were shot dead at point blank range in a Range Rover in Rettendon, near Chelmsford, , in 1995. Prosecutors said the killings took place after a row about a drug deal.

Steele, who is now in his 80s, denied the murders along with Whomes and they have continued to maintain their innocence. Their convictions were partly based on the evidence of a “supergrass”, Darren Nicholls, who said he was the getaway driver.

The case inspired the 2000 film Essex Boys starring and The Rise of the Footsoldier gangster film franchise.

The Parole Board panel members who decided to free Steele said his imprisonment was “no longer necessary for the protection of the public”.

Under the conditions of his release, Steele must live at a designated address, be of “good” behaviour, provide financial and business details, give up his passport, wear an electronic tag and stick to a curfew.

A Parole Board spokesman said: “After considering the circumstances of his offending, the progress made while in custody and the other evidence presented at the hearings, the panel was satisfied that imprisonment was no longer necessary for the protection of the public.”

In a decision summary published on Thursday, it said Steele’s behaviour in prison had shown a “marked improvement” and none of the witnesses considered risks would be imminent if he was released.

The Parole Board decided Whomes could be released in 2021 subject to strict licence conditions.

Appeals brought by Steele and Whomes in 2006 against their convictions were rejected, with a review by the Criminal Cases Review Commission deciding not to refer their case back to the Court of Appeal in January 2023.