A schoolgirl involved in the brutal murder and torture of a pensioner has been granted a new identity and is living in hiding, while her teenage accomplice has been released from jail.
Lisa Healey, who was just 15 at the time, and her friend Sarah Davey were responsible for the savage attack on frail pensioner Lily Lilley, 71, in her home in Failsworth, Manchester. The pair murdered her and disposed of her body in a river after a horrific ordeal.
Sarah Davey, who was originally jailed indefinitely in 1999, was released from prison on March 23 after a decision by the Parole Board. Despite being recalled to prison seven times over breaches of her licensing conditions, Davey was freed, sparking outrage across the nation.
Davey’s release drew attention to the conditions of her imprisonment, including her ability to enjoy sunbathing in the prison grounds during summer months and visits to tanning salons to maintain her tan. She even fell pregnant while on day release, leading to criticism of the prison system.
In contrast, Healey, now in her mid-40s, has been granted a new identity and is living in hiding, at a significant cost to taxpayers. Her whereabouts are undisclosed, and those living near her have no knowledge of her criminal past.
The murder of Lily Lilley was described as a wicked act of violence. Healey and Davey had initially been invited into Ms Lilley’s home, where they subjected her to horrific abuse, including cutting her legs with a knife, choking her with a gag, and stealing from her.
Despite the appalling nature of the crime, Davey’s recent release sparked further controversy. Documents shared by the Parole Board highlighted her progress and engagement with rehabilitation programs while in custody, leading to the decision to release her.
While Davey will be subject to close supervision for the rest of her life and can be recalled to prison if she breaches the conditions of her release, the decision has reignited debates about the justice system’s approach to violent offenders.
The Ministry of Justice emphasized that Davey’s release was contingent on stringent conditions and ongoing supervision to manage any potential risk to the public.
