Killer of PC Joe Carroll is released

Feb 28 2009 by Ben Guy, The Journal

THE EX-SOLDIER who caused the car crash that killed a policeman has been released from prison after serving just half his sentence.

Police representatives last night reacted with fury to the news Steven Graham had been released early for the manslaughter of Bellingham PC Joe Carroll in July 2006.

Graham pulled the handbrake in a patrol car after being arrested – causing it to flip over on the A69 near Corbridge.

PC Carroll was killed in the crash, while colleague Inspector Brian English was left seriously injured in the wreckage.

But it is understood former Sandhurst staff sergeant Graham was granted parole before Christmas and is now living in North Tyneside.

His release was condemned by chairman of the Northumbria Police Federation, Russ Watson.

He said: “I can understand how many members of the public would share the concerns of police officers in wondering how something like this can be allowed to occur.

“I think both the police and the public find it difficult to understand the length of sentences handed down and the parole system for those who have taken a life.

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