Mother of Andrew Flamson Protests Potential Early Release for Son's Coventry Killers
Janice Lees, whose son Andrew Flamson was murdered in a Coventry hit-and-run four years ago, has expressed her disgust at the prospect of his killers being released early. Ms Lees described feeling “sickened” by the Ministry of Justice’s proposals, which could see offenders serve significantly less time on licence. Flamson, aged 29, was fatally struck by a car in July 2020 on Junction 7 of the A444, after a confrontation following a minor road traffic collision.
Three individuals were convicted in connection with Flamson's death. Samuel Johnson received a 10-year sentence for manslaughter, aggravated vehicle taking, and other offences. Tracey Lee Walder was sentenced to seven years for manslaughter and aggravated vehicle taking. Eileen McDonagh received an 18-month sentence for assisting an offender. Under the proposed changes, Johnson could have his licence period reduced from five years to two years and six months, while Walder's could drop from three years and six months to one year and nine months.
Ms Lees stated that the thought of Johnson and Walder being released early means they could “kill again,” describing the current justice system as “a joke.” She recounted her son's final moments, found injured in a bush by a passer-by after being deliberately targeted. The Ministry of Justice has indicated that while all offenders released on licence are subject to strict conditions, the public consultation on these changes has now concluded, with responses under review.
