Connor Chapman's murder accomplice could be released early

Connor Chapman's murder accomplice could be released early

Elle Edwards' dad told the ECHO Waring is "just as guilty as the killer and should be punished accordingly"

Bookmark

Elle Edwards' dad said it would be a "mockery" if an associate of her killer jailed for helping hide the murder weapon was released from prison early. Tim Edwards' daughter was an innocent bystander outside the Lighthouse pub in Wallasey when she was shot dead by gun thug Connor Chapman on Christmas Eve 2022.

Chapman, who attempted to target gang rivals as part of an ongoing feud between the Woodchurch and Beechwood estates in Wirral, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 48 years. Thomas Waring - an associate of Chapman's who helped hide the Skorpion machine gun and burnt out the stolen car used in the shooting - was jailed for nine years following the same trial in summer 2023.

But Mr Edwards has said that he received a letter from a victim liaison officer at the Ministry of Justice which said Waring could walk free from prison after serving a third of his sentence under the government's early release scheme. Mr Edwards said he has been told Waring could be released by April 2026.

The Ministry of Justice said anyone eligible for home detention curfew would have to pass a rigorous risk assessment before being considered for release. Speaking to the ECHO to raise awareness of Waring's case, Mr Edwards said the potential release "makes a mockery of the sentencing".

Mr Edwards told the ECHO: "What kind of message are we sending? He is being rewarded for being involved in a murder. Prisons are supposed to rehabilitate someone, but he won't even be able to have the time to rehabilitate because he'll be let out before he can finish." He added: "There's no deterrent for someone if they can be released early for being involved in a crime like that."

And speaking about the gun, which has never been recovered, Mr Edwards said: "Waring knows where the gun is, that's a simple fact. The gun is still out there. If he gets out, what is to stop him going and getting it and using it?" The dad added Waring is "just as guilty as the killer and should be punished accordingly".

The reason for Waring's potential early release has been cited as "significant issues with the prison population". Mr Edwards said the overriding emotion after receiving the Ministry of Justice's letter two weeks ago was anger.

He said the government's decision goes against his own work to address both the causes and consequences of serious violence and has called on the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to justify the decision of the early release programme. Mr Edwards told the ECHO he has written his own letter to Sir Keir with the help of his local MP Angela Eagle, asking for each case up for early release to be looked at individually.

When asked how he and his family are as they approach the second anniversary of Ms Edwards' death, he added: "Every day is the same. We've got to stay strong and keep going. It's a tough time but we aren't going to let it define us. I have grandkids - I want them to still enjoy Christmas, but we will also remember Elle."

The shooting of Ms Edwards came against the backdrop of a series of tit-for-tat attacks, as rival gangs separated only by the M53 waged a street war on each other. Fuel was well and truly on the fire when Jake Duffy and Kieran Salkeld, Chapman's rivals off the Beechwood estate, or Ford as it is known in the area, subjected a rival to a brutal assault captured on a Ring doorbell.

The attack, carried out on December 23 - the day before Ms Edwards' death - set the scene for tragedy. Shortly before midnight, the popular beautician was standing outside the pub in Wallasey Village smoking a cigarette when she was shot twice in the head by her killer, who had been loitering in the vicinity for nearly three hours.

Five men, including Duffy and Salkeld, were also injured after being hit by some of the 12 bullets which were indiscriminately sprayed from the lethal weapon in question. Chapman was convicted of Ms Edwards' murder, as well as associated offences including the attempted murders of his two intended targets, in June 2023. He will spend most of the rest of his life behind bars.

Four people accused of assisting Chapman in the days and weeks after the shooting were cleared of all charges following a four-week trial at Liverpool Crown Court last week.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "This was a horrific crime and our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Elle Edwards. Home Detention Curfew has been used for over 20 years and only after a full risk assessment in 2026 will a decision be made on whether Thomas Waring is suitable for it. HDC is entirely discretionary, and offenders presenting a high risk of harm are presumed unsuitable. Anyone placed under it is subject to an overnight curfew, strict licence conditions and tagging."

Story Saved
You can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.