Neil Trennan, a 61-year-old convicted rapist, has been sentenced to a third life term after he attacked a student with a knife, capitalizing on the Parole Board's decision to grant him day release based on his completion of sex offender rehabilitation programs. This incident occurred shortly after his release, which allowed him unaccompanied leave from prison despite his troubling history of violent offenses, including a previous conviction for assaulting a woman with a brick.

During the recent court proceedings at Sheffield Crown Court, Judge Jeremy Richardson KC expressed deep concerns over the safety risks posed by Trennan, questioning the rationale behind his day release. He emphasized that the court might never find it safe for Trennan to be released again due to his repeated willingness to perpetrate violent crimes against women. The judge stated that he had not received satisfactory reasons from the Justice Secretary regarding the Parole Board’s decision to allow Trennan out on his own.

This case raises significant questions about the effectiveness of parole systems and the protection of public safety, particularly concerning dangerous offenders. Trennan's actions not only endangered lives but also highlighted potential failures in the criminal justice system to adequately assess and manage the risks posed by repeat offenders before granting them the opportunity for release.