ALAN HOUCHIN: MURDERER AND RAPIST FROM MARGATE AND SWANLEY FREED AFTER 46 YEARS IN PRISON

In a development that has sparked widespread concern and controversy, Alan Houchin, a man with a long and violent criminal history, has been released from prison after serving nearly five decades behind bars. Houchin, aged 75, was enjoying his first days of freedom this week following his release from Leyhill open prison in Gloucestershire, but the decision to free him has been met with significant public and institutional criticism.

Houchin's criminal record is marked by a series of heinous offenses, beginning with the murder of Shona “Toni” Berry in Margate in August 1965. The young 16-year-old waitress was found dead in a park in the seaside town after staying there with friends. Houchin, then 27, was convicted of her murder at Kent Assizes in Maidstone and narrowly escaped the death penalty, which was abolished just seven days after his sentencing. His involvement in her death has been confirmed by Houchin himself, who admits to the murder but has always denied the rape.

He was sentenced to life imprisonment, but after his initial release on license in 1976, he committed further violent crimes. In that year, he was convicted of raping and assaulting a 19-year-old female shop assistant, leading to an additional nine years behind bars. His violent tendencies persisted even during his incarceration, as evidenced by his 1993 escape from prison. During a hospital visit, Houchin managed to slip away from guards and was on the run for two weeks, during which police described him as “dangerous” and warned the public to be cautious.

His escape was eventually thwarted when he was recaptured in the company of a 17-year-old girl. Upon his arrest, he was returned to prison, where he faced brutal treatment from fellow inmates who discovered his status as a sex offender. His life sentence was reimposed in 1979 after he went on the run, and he was transferred to Belmarsh Prison, where he endured further violence at the hands of other prisoners.

Houchin’s history of violence and flight from justice has led to ongoing debates about his release. In 2006, he successfully challenged his placement in a high-security prison, winning a High Court battle to be moved to a more comfortable facility with less security. However, subsequent assessments continued to classify him as a “high risk,” and he was moved back to a more secure environment. He later sought damages from Lincolnshire probation services, claiming that the stricter conditions caused him stress and anxiety, and that his liberty was unjustly restricted.

His latest release came after a lengthy period at Leyhill open prison, and he is now planning to marry his former partner, Mary Griggs, 54. The couple is residing in a council house in Swanley, Kent. However, local residents have expressed their unease and disapproval of Houchin’s presence in the community. Neighbors have reported seeing him frequently working on his car during his day releases, and while some acknowledge his visits to Mary Griggs, many remain wary. One neighbor stated, “If he is a convicted murderer and rapist I definitely don’t want him living round here.”

Houchin’s victim, Shona Berry, was found dead in a park in Margate in 1965 after she had been staying in the town with friends. His conviction for her murder was secured at a time when the death penalty was still in place, though he narrowly avoided the ultimate sentence. His criminal record also includes a 1979 life sentence for rape, following his initial release, and a notorious 1993 escape that led to a two-week manhunt. During his escape, Houchin convinced officers to leave him alone so he could have a final moment with his sick father in a south London hospice, before disappearing.

His recapture was marked by violence, as he was beaten by fellow inmates at Belmarsh Prison after it was discovered he was a sex offender. Over the years, Houchin’s case has been the subject of intense scrutiny, with debates centering on whether he remains a danger to society. Supporters of his release argue that he has served his time, while critics, including victims’ charities such as Support After Murder and Manslaughter, express grave concerns about his potential threat.

In recent years, Houchin has been involved in legal battles over his prison conditions and his classification as a high-risk offender. His case remains a stark reminder of the complexities involved in managing long-term offenders and the ongoing debate about rehabilitation versus public safety. As he begins his new chapter in Swanley, questions about the adequacy of the justice system and the safety of the community continue to be raised by residents and advocacy groups alike.