A controversial parole hearing is set to take place in May, raising questions about justice and public safety.
Connor Doran, once the teenage leader of a violent gang that killed a homeless man, could soon walk free after spending over a decade behind bars.
His case, along with those of his notorious family members, has long been a subject of public outrage and scrutiny.
A Crime That Shocked Liverpool
In 2013, Connor Doran, then 17, was convicted alongside his younger brother Brandon, 14, for the brutal murder of 53-year-old Kevin Bennett.
The homeless man was sleeping rough outside a supermarket in Liverpool when he was attacked.
The assault was both premeditated and horrifying, leaving the community in shock.
Connor was identified as the ringleader, while another gang member, Simon Evans, 14, was also found guilty.
Their trial exposed a deeply troubled family background.
The Doran household, which was fatherless and dependent on government benefits, had a long history of crime, drug use, and run-ins with the police.
By the time Connor and Brandon stood trial, their eldest brother Ryan was already serving a life sentence for another murder.
The Doran Family’s Troubled Legacy
The notoriety of the Doran family had already been cemented before Connor and Brandon’s trial.
Ryan Doran, the eldest brother, was convicted of killing 42-year-old Wayne Mitchell in 2012.
Ryan attacked him without provocation, striking him with an empty beer bottle and causing fatal injuries when he hit the pavement.
He received a minimum 15-year sentence.
Adding to the chaos, another brother, Jordan Doran, was caught taking illegal photographs in the courtroom during Connor and Brandon’s trial.
He was jailed for six months for contempt of court.
Their mother, Linda Doran, was also sentenced to 30 months in prison for providing false alibis to protect her sons.
Judge Clement Goldstone did not mince words when he sentenced her, stating that very few mothers had three sons serving life sentences for murder.
Parole Hearings and Early Releases
Despite the severity of their crimes, several members of the Doran family have already been released or are being considered for parole.
Brandon Doran was freed in 2019 after serving just six years.
Simon Evans, another gang member involved in Kevin Bennett’s murder, had his sentence reduced due to his “exceptional” behavior in prison and was released on parole in 2020.
Now, Connor Doran’s parole hearing is scheduled for May 2025.
If approved, he could be released after serving his minimum 12-year sentence.
Meanwhile, Ryan Doran, the eldest, was recommended for a move to an open prison in January 2025, a step that could eventually lead to his release.
Public Concern and Justice System Debate
News of the parole hearings has reignited concerns about public safety.
A source familiar with the case expressed disbelief at the idea that three brothers who committed murder “for no reason whatsoever” could soon be back on the streets.
The Parole Board, however, maintains that their decisions are based strictly on risk assessment.
A spokesperson stated that the review process involves examining a range of evidence, including prison behavior, psychological evaluations, and victim impact statements.
Each case undergoes thorough scrutiny, and decisions are made with public protection as the top priority.
What Happens Next?
With Connor Doran’s hearing set for May, the outcome remains uncertain.
If he is deemed to no longer pose a risk, he could be released under strict conditions.
Meanwhile, the final decision regarding Ryan Doran’s move to an open prison rests with the Secretary of State for Justice.
For many, the possibility of the Doran brothers being back in the community raises serious questions about whether justice has truly been served.
The case continues to fuel debate over sentencing policies, rehabilitation, and the ability of the justice system to balance punishment with reintegration into society.