‘What has changed in such a short time to now justify this decision?’
The family of a mum raped and murdered by a shoe fetishist say they fear he’ll ‘return to his previous hunting ground’ if he’s released from prison.
Christopher Farrow, formerly of Cookridge in Leeds, was jailed for life in 2000 for the rape and murder of mother-of-two Wendy Speakes, 51, in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, in March, 1994. It was suspected he had also stalked a Huddersfield woman, following her from the town centre to her home in Meltham.
The Parole Board has now decided Farrow should not be freed from jail but instead recommended for him to be transferred to an open prison which may eventually lead to his release.
Farrow had previously been moved to an open prison in 2018, but returned to a closed jail the following year because of a number of cold case investigations. It has since been confirmed he is no longer a person of interest to the police, the Parole Board added. Farrow’s parole hearing on February 27 heard that since returning to closed prison he had completed sessions with a psychologist, and an accredited programme to address offence-related sexual thoughts in 2024.
Mrs Speakes’ daughter Tracey Millington-Jones has repeatedly fought to keep Farrow behind bars and has vowed not to rest until he dies in jail. She fears he will go on to kill again.
She told Yorkshire Live: “I am deeply shocked and appalled by the Parole Board’s recommendation to transfer Christopher John Farrow to an open prison in preparation for his release.
“Farrow cold-bloodedly and premeditatedly murdered my mother, having stalked women both before and after her death. He harbours a deeply rooted hatred of women and has exhibited violent urges to kill when experiencing anger or difficulties in relationships.
“Only 22 months ago, he was deemed too great a risk to be released. What has changed in such a short time to now justify this decision? There can be no guarantee that he no longer poses a danger – because, in reality, there is none.
Join our Court and Crime WhatsApp group HERE
“I urge the Secretary of State to reject this reckless recommendation and prioritise the safety of women by preventing a serial stalker and murderer from being reintegrated into society.
“If released, he will return to Yorkshire, his previous hunting ground, posing an ongoing threat. For the protection of women, I implore the Secretary of State to do what is right and ensure that Christopher John Farrow remains incarcerated.”
In 2022, it was reported that Farrow had stalked a Huddersfield woman in January 1994, three months before Mrs Speakes was murdered, following her from Huddersfield town centre to her home in Meltham. He tricked his way into her home but quick-thinking Mrs Akitt managed to alert a neighbour when she realised the danger she was in.
When Farrow appeared in court charged with murdering Mrs Speakes, he also faced attempted burglary charges in connection with the Meltham incident. He denied involvement and the charge was left on file.
