Yard: Don't free Pc killer

Yard chief Sir John Stevens reacted with fury today to plans for the early release of a Yardie gangster who shot dead a police officer.

Ray Lee gunned down 28-year-old Pc Phillip Walters in 1995 - and is eligible for parole from his prison sentence only nine years later. Metropolitan police commissioner Sir John said he was disgusted, adding:"Pc Walters gave his life to the job he loved.

"The pain of his death at the hands of Lee will never be forgotten by his family, friends and colleagues. I fully share the abhorrence of Pc Walters's family that his killer could be freed after serving such a reduced jail sentence. We are utterly opposed to the early release of this man and are seeking permission to raise our concerns with the Parole Board."

Lee was jailed after shooting Pc Walters through the heart as he was being arrested at a flat in Ilford in 1995. He was convicted of manslaughter and jailed for 18 years - meaning he is now eligible for parole from Long Lartin prison in Worcestershire. Pc Walters's father, Colin, said: "I can't believe they might let him out after only nine years. Is that all that a police officer's life is worth? It's a joke."

At the end of Lee's trial, the judge said that after his sentence he would be deported to Jamaica, from where he had entered Britain illegally. Police fear he will use an alias to re-enter Britain. A parole board hearing will be held next month.