Tragic Release: A Killer’s Shortened Sentence
Steven Allan’s early release from prison after just eight months for a deadly assault has sparked outrage. The 35-year-old electrician was sentenced to three years and nine months for the manslaughter of millionaire banking executive Paul Mason. However, his early release on license for Christmas has left the victim’s family shattered.
Injustice Unveiled The brutal incident occurred during an unprovoked attack where Allan struck Mason, causing him to collapse and later die. Despite his admission of guilt, Allan’s relatively short time behind bars has infuriated Mason’s family, with his sister Rachel expressing their anguish over the justice system’s failure.
Plea for Overhaul Rachel Mason’s cry for justice echoes in her call to overhaul manslaughter sentencing guidelines. The family’s petition to review Allan’s seemingly lenient sentence, signed by over 60,000 people, was unsuccessful, leaving them grappling with a profound sense of injustice.
Tragic End to Festivities The tragic event unfolded during Christmas festivities three years ago when Mason, CEO of Qatar National Bank, was assaulted after leaving an exclusive Soho club. Accused of theft by Allan, the confrontation turned violent, leading to Mason’s fatal injuries.
Impact and Loss The impact of Mason’s death extends beyond the tragedy itself. The victim’s sister revealed how the loss led to the death of their oldest brother, Simon, who succumbed to alcoholism in the wake of the devastating loss.
Seeking Redress Despite widespread public outcry and demands for a sentence review, the Attorney General’s decision not to refer Allan’s case as unduly lenient added to the family’s anguish. This has spurred demands for government action to ensure appropriate justice for victims of violent crimes.
The tragic brevity of Allan’s imprisonment amid the enormity of the crime has reignited debates around the sentencing guidelines for such egregious acts, leaving grieving families grappling with an unresolved quest for justice.