Ford Prison official's "crucial" role in decision not to deport killer

Learco Chindamo was said by the official to be "a changed person", one of a small minority he had met during a 30-year career who he believed would go on to lead a lawful and purposeful life.

His evidence was said to have been crucial at a tribunal hearing which rejected the Home Office's attempt to have Chindamo, 26 sent back to his native Italy at the end of his sentence.

Chindamo was 15 when he murdered Mr Lawrence. He was jailed for life and told he must serve at least 12 years. Two years ago, he was moved to Ford Open Prison in preparation for his release, but in May last year was one of 141 foreign inmates removed from Ford to more secure prisons.

The Parole Board also claimed that Chindamo would go on to lead a fruitful life, but Home Office lawyers claimed Chindamo posed a serious threat to the public and should be sent back to Italy.

Mr Lawrence's widow, Frances, has slammed the tribunal's decision, and attacked the Human Rights Act for allowing Chindamo to "pick and choose" how to live his life.