A gangland killer associated with the infamous 'Essex Boys' murders is poised for release. Michael Steele, now 81, was convicted 30 years ago for the shotgun murders of three drug dealers.

On December 7, 1995, Tony Tucker (38), Pat Tate (37), and Craig Rolfe (26) were found dead in their Range Rover in Rettendon, Essex. Steele, along with accomplice Jack Whomes, received three life sentences in 1998 for their murders. This case inspired the 2000 film *Essex Boys*, featuring Sean Bean.

A Parole Board hearing held on November 12 concluded after several adjournments, and the subsequent summary indicated that Steele is fit for release. The report detailed improvements in his behaviour during incarceration and noted that witnesses deemed the risks of his release to be manageable.

Despite his positive conduct, Steele was deemed unsuitable for prison rehabilitation programmes due to his continued assertion of innocence regarding the murders. Recently, he engaged in a motivational training course and educational activities.

Upon release, Steele will face stringent restrictions, including designated accommodation, limited contacts, and requirements to report to supervising authorities. He must also maintain good behaviour, disclose financial information, surrender his passport, and avoid any ownership of potential weapons or vessels.

The trio’s bodies were discovered by farmers after they were shot the night before due to a drug-related dispute with Steele and Whomes. Both defendants were sentenced to life, with a minimum term of 23 years, following a trial at the Old Bailey.

Tate had been released from prison shortly before his death and was connected to notorious criminal Kenneth Noye. Tucker, a doorman, was known for controlling the drug trade at various Essex nightclubs.

The convictions of Steele and Whomes primarily relied on the testimony of Darren Nicholls, a convicted fraudster. Nicholls, arrested in May 1996, had a corrupt relationship with an Essex detective and claimed Steele lured the victims into the fatal encounter following a drug deal dispute.

Whomes was released in early 2021. Previous attempts by Steele and Whomes to overturn their convictions at the Court of Appeal were unsuccessful, and in 2023, the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) denied a request to revisit their cases. However, a new application is currently under review after former detectives presented evidence questioning the original prosecution.

The CCRC has acknowledged submissions from an external party in this case, marking a rare departure from usual protocols. A spokesperson mentioned: "Applications have been received in relation to these individuals, and a review is currently underway."

In 2017, it was revealed that a crime lord was overheard on police tape discussing intentions to kill the trio for supplying ecstasy to Leah Betts, a tragic victim who collapsed shortly after consuming the drug. The dealers controlled the market in the clubs where Leah obtained the ecstasy.

Former DCI Dave McKelvey, heading the review team, claims to possess evidence that Nicholls was coerced during his testimony. He also noted that police investigations overlooked various leads, including a confession from a different individual about the murders.

McKelvey stated: "It is an appalling miscarriage of justice. The truth is finally beginning to emerge." An Essex Police spokesperson responded by asserting their cooperation with the CCRC in reviewing any new evidence.

Mr McKelvey affirmed the commitment to fight for justice for Steele and Whomes, expressing hope for a new review by the CCRC following their extensive investigation into the case.