One of Britain’s longest serving prisoners is hoping to be released on parole.
Serial killer Patrick Mackay plans to beg officials for his freedom – but it is feared the maniac, who was jailed in the 1970s, could be behind at least eight other murders.
His victims’ families are horrified to hear Mackay – who is known as the Devil’s Disciple – could be released.
One told the Sunday People: “If you haven’t come clean on all of your crimes, you cannot be a reformed character.”
Mackay, 67, who has changed his name to David Groves, is currently serving time at a cushy open jail.
He is said to be a model prisoner who spends his time reading and painting – and if his bid for freedom is successful, he could be out on the streets by December.
Mackay, who targeted vulnerable pensioners in London and Kent, was jailed for life in 1975 and ordered to serve a minimum of 25 years.
He was convicted of murdering 64-year-old Catholic priest Anthony Crean, Isabella Griffiths, 87, and 89-year-old widow Adele Price – but admitted eight further killings.
Mackay later retracted his confessions. No one else has been convicted of any of those attacks.
One of the killings Mackay claimed responsibility for was that of cafe owner Ivy Davies, 48, who was axed to death at her home in Southend, Essex, in February 1975.
Her son Victor has spent 40 years fighting to get justice. Victor, 64, of New Ash Green, Kent, said: “Everybody knows he’s killed more than three people. Every police officer I’ve spoken to believes that.
“If you haven’t come clean on all of your crimes, you cannot be a reformed character.”
Essex Police said it does not have any open investigations relating to Mackay.
However, the Parole Board has requested officers submit a report for their consideration.
Gareth Johnson, the MP for Dartford in Kent – which is where Mackay lived – called on Essex Police and Scotland Yard to reinvestigate the unsolved murders.
He said: “I’ll never be convinced Mackay is safe to be released.
“There is no way he should be let out until we are clear he was not responsible for these murders. The risks are just too high.”
Scotland Yard said: “All unsolved murder cases remain open investigations and are subject to review.”
