PARENTS of murdered teenager Cody Turner say they are appalled to learn that his killer has been enjoying weekends out of prison even though he still has more than a year of his sentence to serve.

In December 2010 Cameron Schofield was sentenced to life imprisonment for knifing the 17-year-old to death and ordered to spend at least 11 years behind bars before being eligible to apply for parole.

Schofield, who was also 17 at the time of the murder, killed Cody in Tonge Moor Road after an argument about comments on a Facebook post.

But just two days before after the 10th anniversary of their son's death, Cody's parents, Paul Turner and Joanne Warburton say they were horrified to discover that Schofield, who is now in an open prison, has been allowed out for days and even had a weekend at a hostel.

"It knocks me sick," said Mr Turner. "The judge gave him life and he must serve at least 11 years before he comes up for parole and yet he is walking the streets."

Mr Turner says he only found out what happened, and then had it confirmed by the probation service, after he was informed by a fellow prisoner at Schofield's jail two days before the anniversary of Cody's death on April 22.

"I was just so angry. I wanted to know why he's in open conditions and having home leaves, town visits and weekend stays," said Mr Turner.

"The next one could be a release on temporary licence for five days.

"He got a minimum of 11 years.

"It's like they are overriding what the judge said."

"I couldn't believe it," added Miss Warburton. "I can't even grieve for my son. It's not right.

"They have not even asked how we are feeling."

Mr Turner stressed that the opinions of Cody's family have not been sought or taken into account when deciding whether

"We've not had a letter or been asked to do an impact statement, nothing," he said.

"It's making me ill. I just want to keep fighting for my son. I definitely feel let down in a bad way."

In preparation for their release, some long serving prisoners are allowed out of jail for short periods in order to get them used to life outside prison.

A spokesman for the Prison Service said: “We understand the distress that prisoners being released on temporary licence can cause victims, but it is an important part of rehabilitation which helps to prevent reoffending.

“All such offenders are carefully risk assessed and face return to closed prison if they do not obey strict conditions.”