Triple police killer in bid to be released

A man who killed three police officers has started a legal battle to be freed after nearly four decades behind bars.

Armed robber Harry Roberts is trying to make the Parole Board release documents he claims could influence the decision on his freedom. It is thought these relate to a meeting he had with Ronnie Kray's widow.

Roberts, 67, was jailed for life in 1966 for murdering three unarmed police officers. He used fighting skills learned in the Army to evade police for three months, during one of Britain's biggest manhunts. The Parole Board is denying Roberts access to sensitive information and, in a rare move, has appointed one of its lawyers to deal with six allegations against him.

This lawyer would have no contact with Roberts or his lawyer once the evidence has been seen. It is a process more often used with terrorist suspects. Roberts's solicitor said the move would prevent him defending himself against unknown allegations and might mean he will never leave prison.