John Wilson, the man who murdered schoolgirl Michelle Stewart, has been returned to prison a year after his release on parole for breaching license conditions.
John Wilson, now 37, was sentenced to life in prison after fatally stabbing his ex-girlfriend, 17-year-old Michelle Stewart, in Drongan in 2008. Despite the family’s concerns and a 16-year prison term, Wilson was released in January 2025. This decision was met with backlash from Michelle's family, who warned he would reoffend. Their fears have proven to be justified as Wilson was recently taken back into custody after breaching conditions of his parole.
The news of Wilson's return to prison has been met with relief by Stewart's family, highlighting their long-standing concerns about the parole decision. Lisa Stewart, Michelle's sister, expressed her feelings of vindication upon learning of Wilson's return to custody, calling it "music to her ears." The Scottish Prison Service confirmed the revocation of Wilson's license, ensuring he would again face the consequences of his actions and the family's fears for public safety were somewhat addressed.
This incident raises important questions about the parole system and the effectiveness of monitoring released offenders, particularly those with violent histories. The Stewart family’s struggle underscores the ongoing challenges victims' families face in dealing with the repercussions of violent crimes and the justice system’s impact on their lives, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive evaluations in parole applications.
