Notorious ‘Essex Boys' triple killer released from jail after 29 years
Michael Steele was convicted of the murders of Tony Tucker, Pat Tate and Craig Rolfe, who were found shot dead in a Range Rover in Rettendon, near Chelmsford, Essex, in 1995
Michael Steele, a triple murderer convicted of the infamous "Essex Boys" gangland killings, has been released from prison, as confirmed by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ).
Steele was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1998 for the murders of Tony Tucker, Pat Tate and Craig Rolfe, crimes he denied, alongside co-defendant Jack Whomes. The victims were discovered shot dead in a Range Rover in Rettendon, near Chelmsford, Essex, in 1995.
A Parole Board panel decided in February to release Steele, now in his 80s, stating that his continued incarceration was "no longer necessary for the protection of the public". However, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood challenged this decision, requesting a review of his case on the grounds that the decision was legally irrational. Despite this, Steele was released from prison in May, as confirmed by the MoJ.
A spokesperson for the government department stated: "Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Craig Rolfe, Tony Tucker and Pat Tate. This decision was made by the independent Parole Board after a thorough risk assessment. Michael Steele will be on licence for the rest of his life, with strict conditions and intensive probation supervision. He faces an immediate return to prison if he breaks the rules."
Prosecutors said the murders occurred following a dispute over a drug deal, and the case later inspired the 2000 film Essex Boys, starring Sean Bean. The decision to release Steele in February came during the second review by the Parole Board, following the end of his initial minimum term of 23 years' imprisonment.
The Parole Board has disclosed that while in prison, Steele wasn't deemed apt for formal risk-reduction measures as he professed innocence for the murders and had no apparent need. The report highlighted past risk factors including his "criminal lifestyle, involvement with drugs and association with the wrong people".
Despite this, they noted Steele's "marked improvement" in behaviour behind bars, convincing them he doesn't pose immediate risks after release. Parole Board documents uncovered by the Mirror lays bare Steele's life behind bars, in which he is said to have been an "exemplary" inmate, except for on one occasion when he was caught with a kettle. A 2021 report stated: "He has only ever had two proven adjudications on this sentence, the most recent one being in January 2021 for having an unauthorised item in his possession, a kettle for which he was given a caution.
Despite his impeccable behaviour, the prison authorities have refused to downgrade his status and he has spent his entire sentence in maximum security conditions.
Strict release conditions for Steele entail living at an approved address, abiding by good behaviour, revealing financial dealings, surrendering his passport, and complying with electronic tagging and a curfew. He's also barred from high-tech gadgetry, speaking to media, and owning any boat, plane or firearm. Meanwhile, Whomes, aged 59, was greenlit for release in 2021.
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