PAUL UPEX CHILD KILLER FROM NEWARK STILL A DANGER, RULES JUDGE

In a recent development in the ongoing case of Paul Upex, the convicted child murderer from Newark, a High Court judge has reaffirmed that Upex remains a significant threat to public safety. Mr. Justice Plender explicitly stated that Upex should not be transferred to an open prison setting, emphasizing the continued concern over his potential risk to society.

Paul Upex, who was convicted in November 1988 for the brutal murder of a 13-year-old girl, remains incarcerated at Wyland Prison in Norfolk. The tragic incident took place at Sconce Hills Secondary School in Newark, where Upex, then a school caretaker, strangled the young girl and subsequently concealed her body beneath nearby bushes. The court at the time sentenced him to serve a minimum of 18 years, reflecting the severity of his crime.

Now aged 54, Upex is actively seeking parole, asserting that he no longer harbors the deviant fantasies that contributed to his past actions. His legal representative, Flo Krause, presented arguments to Mr. Justice Plender, highlighting that in 2006, the Parole Board had recommended that Upex be moved to an open prison to facilitate his rehabilitation. However, this recommendation was ultimately rejected by the Home Secretary, who maintained that Upex still posed a danger to the community.

Krause explained that Upex had disclosed the existence of such disturbing fantasies during a prison offending behavior program but claimed that he no longer experiences them. She also argued that Upex’s participation in prison courses and programs demonstrated his commitment to reform and his suitability for early release.

Despite these claims, Mr. Justice Plender found it rational to conclude that Upex could still pose a threat to the public. The judge’s decision underscores the cautious approach taken by the judicial system in cases involving violent offenders, especially those with a history of child murder.

Upex is expected to pursue a second judicial review early next year, citing what his legal team describes as an unreasonable delay in scheduling a new hearing before the Parole Board. The case continues to attract public and legal scrutiny as authorities weigh the risks and benefits of parole for a convicted child murderer from Newark.