Triple killer behind notorious Essex gangland 'hit' released after 27 years

A triple killer convicted of the notorious "Essex Boys" murders has been released from prison after 27 years.

Michael Steele was jailed alongside Jack Whomes in 1998 for the murders of Patrick Tate, 37, Tony Tucker, 38, and Craig Rolfe, 26. They were shot dead at point-blank range on an isolated farm track at Rettendon, Essex, in 1995 in what prosecutors said was a row over a drug deal.

The gangland executions, also known as the Rettendon Murders or the Range Rover Murders, inspired the 2000 film Essex Boys, starring Sean Bean, as well as The Rise Of The Footsoldier franchise. All three of the victims were known to police.

Steele and Whomes maintained their innocence following their convictions, which were based in part on evidence from "supergrass" Darren Nicholls, who said he was the getaway driver. Their appeals were rejected and in 2006 Lord Justice Kay said there was no "element of unsafety" over the convictions.

The case was also reviewed by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), which decided in 2023 not to refer it back to the Court of Appeal. The Parole Board said in February that Steele could be freed on licence after a "marked improvement" in his behaviour and because keeping him locked up was no longer necessary to protect the public.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood challenged the decision, arguing it was legally irrational, and asked for his case to be looked at again. However, the Ministry of Justice has confirmed Steele was let out in May.

An MoJ spokesperson said: "Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Craig Rolfe, Tony Tucker and Pat Tate. "This decision was made by the independent Parole Board after a thorough risk assessment.

"Michael Steele will be on licence for the rest of his life, with strict conditions and intensive probation supervision. He faces an immediate return to prison if he breaks the rules." Read more from Sky News:Two Britons shot dead outside Costa del Sol pub - reportsBritain has 'lost control' of its borders - defence secretary Those conditions include staying at a designated address, giving up his passport, wearing an electronic tag and having a curfew.

Other rules on using technology and speaking to the media are in place - and he won't be able to own a firearm, plane or boat. Whomes was released from jail in 2021 and is also subject to strict licence conditions.