'AS EXPECTED' Michael Steel Parole decision delayed again until February - spokesman

The outcome of Michael Steele's Parole Board hearing will not now be released until next month, a Parole Board spokesman has said.

Last week, Essex News and Investigations reported that the same spokesman had earlier said it would be published by the end of January.

But, asked today if that was still happening, he said: "It’s looking like it’ll now be February and not this week for the decision to be issued. I’ll let you know if I get any more info."

A 1:26pm today we replied: "Hi - I was expecting that for some reason! Any idea on which week in February?

Could it still drop this week? What is holding it up please?"

There was no further response.

Steele's reconvened hearing ended on November 12, meaning the result of his latest bid for freedom should have been published on November 26.

It had already been subject to repeated delays and more have since followed.

Read all the background on the case here.

Essex News and Investigations Opinion

When we reported the decision was meant to be out by the end of January, we also said this: "In short, don't hold your breath. We have been here before. Let's see what happens by the end of next week."

It appears the cautionary approach was right. This is now becoming highly unusual and lawyers for Steele will no doubt be asking probing questions of the Parole Board until the outcome is released. We will also keep on the case until the outcome is published.