Shoe fetish killer could move to open prison

A shoe fetishist who raped and murdered a woman in her own home should be transferred to an open prison, according to the Parole Board.

Christopher Farrow was jailed for life in 2000 for the murder of 51-year-old mother-of-two Wendy Speakes in Wakefield six years prior.

The then 39-year-old printer received a minimum term of 18 years, and concurrent sentences for a host of other violent sexual offences.

The Parole Board decided Farrow should not be freed from jail but should move to an open prison, the least secure category of jail, at a hearing in February.

Farrow raped Ms Speakes in 1994 after breaking into her home, raiding her shoe drawer and tying her up with black tights. He then stabbed her 11 times.

It took police six years to catch him after advances were made in fingerprint technology.

The Parole Board noted that at the time of his offending he had a sexual interest in rape, sexual violence, stockings and high-heeled shoes, along with issues in relationships and managing his emotions.

On 27 February, at his fourth parole hearing since his minimum term ended, the board heard he completed an accredited programme last year to address "offence-related sexual thoughts".

A decision summary from the board said he had completed "extensive" work in custody including sessions with a psychologist, but only recent work had allowed professionals to say he showed insight into his offending.

The summary noted the "brutal, sexual and violent" nature of the attack.

It added: "Release was not supported by witnesses and the panel was not satisfied that release at this point would be safe for the protection of the public.

"It was recommended that he should continue to strengthen his skills and have a slow transition back into the community via the open estate."

Open jails have minimal security, allowing eligible prisoners to spend most of the day out of the prison for work or education.

Farrow, originally from Cookridge in Leeds, was moved to an open prison in 2018 when his minimum term ended but was returned to a closed jail the next year due to a number of cold case investigations taking place.

The Parole Board confirmed he is no longer a person of interest to police.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood will make the final decision whether to accept the recommendation.

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