A drunk driver who was jailed for killing an island vet has been granted parole after serving only half his sentence.
Theresa Wade died when Thomas Wainwright’s high-powered Maserati ploughed into her van on the Isle of Mull in October 2015.
The 33-year-old was jailed for 12 years in April 2017 after falsely claiming his victim had been on the wrong side of the road and caused the accident.
Wainwright, who was eligible for parole after serving six years of his sentence, was told he would be released from prison next month following a Parole Board hearing last week.
The decision to release him on licence was made after the Parole Board found they were satisfied over the level of risk posed by Wainwright, who they said can be managed safely in the community. He is due to be released subject to the conditions that he does not approach or communicate with Theresa’s family and does not enter the area of Mull.
Theresa’s partner Charles Pease, 67, said: “The worst I feared has come to pass. Wainwright remains unapologetic for his actions and never once has accepted liability for having caused Theresa’s death and that, above all, I cannot forgive.
“That an innocent life might be taken from a young lady so brutally still pains me so much today, compounded by the feeble actions of the Parole Board, who will doubtless come to regret their decision.”
Prisoners in Scotland serving a sentence of four years or more are eligible to be considered for parole after serving half their sentence. If the board grants parole, an inmate will be released on licence.
Charles added: “I’m still afraid that he will remain a threat to society.”
Scottish Conservative MSP Donald Cameron said: “Thomas Wainwright has never shown remorse for his reckless actions. This decision is a total insult to the victim’s loved ones.”
Wainwright was driving on the wrong side of the road when he crashed into Theresa’s vehicle. At the point of impact, he was travelling at 69mph. The court heard how he had been drinking for over eight hours before the crash.
Wainwright’s family are of Scottish origin but he’s lived in France most of his life. He had appealed to Scottish ministers to be moved to a French prison. His latest request was denied. In January we revealed he’d been given over £7000 in legal aid.
The Parole Board said: “We do not comment on individual cases.”
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
