Carole Packman murder: Russell Causley to be released from prisonon January 5, 2023 at 4:39 pm

Russell Causley, the murderer who was questioned at the UK’s first public parole hearing, is set to be released from prison.

The 79-year-old murdered wife Carole Packman in Bournemouth in 1985 but has always refused to reveal the whereabouts of her body.

The parole board confirmed it was satisfied that Causley was suitable for release.

It added his level of risk “could be managed by the proposed release plan”.

The decision comes as the hearing was held in London last month, when Causley told judges that it was his ex-lover Patricia Causley, whose name he took, who carried out the killing.

Ms Causley was never tried over the killing. Under questioning, Causley agreed that he was a “habitual liar”.

Former aviation engineer Causley claimed he burned Mrs Packman’s body in a fire, in his garden, that lasted “three or four days”.

In an official note, the parole board said the panel reviewed professional reports which identified a low risk of further offending and it was advised by the witnesses that Mr Causley would present a low risk of harm to the public.

It added: “The panel concluded this plan was robust enough to manage Mr Causley in the community at this stage.”

Causley was previously released in 2020 after serving more than 23 years in custody but was recalled to prison a year later for breaking his licence conditions.

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