03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Hitman who carried out one of UK's most infamous gangland murders released from prison
The Essex Boys killer Michael Steele is now 82 years old
Michael Steele has been released from prison (Handout/PA)
A hitman who carried out on of the UK's most infamous gangland murders has been released from prison.
Michael Steele was jailed for life after he was found guilty of the murder of 'Essex Boys' Tony Tucker (38), Pat Tate (37) and Craig Rolfe (26).
The three drug dealers were shot by Steele and his accomplice, Jack Whomes, as they sat in a parked Range Rover in Rettendon, Essex in 1995.
Michael Steele has been released from prison (Handout/PA)
News in 90 Seconds - 3rd June 2025
After spending 27 years behind bars, Steele has walked free following a parole board decision.
In Feburary, they ruled that his imprisonment was 'was 'no longer necessary for the protection of the public.'
However, his release was stalled when Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood branded the decision 'legally irrational' and called on the board to reconsider allowing the triple murderer to walk free.
Following a 'through risk assessment', they moved forward with their decision to release Steele.
'Mr Steele had offended for financial gain and out of greed,' their decision reads.
'He had sought to maintain a level of status or respect from others by exerting power. There had also been an element of thrill-seeking in his actions.'
They noted his behaviour in prison had improved, and a psychologist said his risk of release was 'minimal.'
Steele, who has maintained his innocence since his conviction, will be on licence for the rest of his life, and subject to strict conditions as well as intensive probation supervision.
Pat Tate, Tony Tucker and Craig Rolfe were shot dead in a 1995 triple gangland killing which came to be known as the 'Essex Boys' murders (Essex Police/PA)
He is required to surrender his passport and is forbidden from owning a boat, airplane or firearm.
He is also required to live at a designated address.
If he breaks any of the conditions, he will find himself back behind bars.
'Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Craig Rolfe, Tony Tucker and Pat Tate,' a spokesperson for the Ministry for Justice told BBC.
'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.'
The case has been the subject of numerous films such as 'Essex Boys', 'Bonded by Blood', and the seven-part film franchise 'Rise of the Footsoldier'.
Sky released a three-part documentary about the slayings in 2023.
