A hired killer who gunned down a five-year-old on a Bolton Street has been refused release from prison.
Paul Seddon was jailed for life after gunning down Bolton schoolboy Dillon Hull on Bankfield Street, Deane, on August 6, 1997.
As reported by the then-Bolton Evening News in 1998, the courtroom cheered as Seddon was jailed for life after his failed attempt to kill Dillon’s stepfather John Casey, formerly known as John Bates, for £5,000 after Casey fell out with drugs boss Billy Webb.
Webb was himself murdered in Wigan in 2001.
Dillon was shot in the head by Seddon as he walked hand-in-hand with his stepfather, who was also shot but survived.
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Seddon then fled the scene on foot – leading to a police manhunt before he was finally arrested in a dramatic raid a week later, on August 13, 1997.
At the time, Dillon was described as “the youngest victim of Britain’s drug wars” by the BEN.
In the November 1998 sentencing, Judge Mr Justice Forbes recommended Seddon serve at least 25 years of his life sentence.
Sir Thayne Forbes, who later presided over the Harold Shipman trial, told Seddon: “You brought death to an innocent little boy who had the tragic misfortune to be holding your target's hand when you opened fire.”
Seddon did not admit to the killing at the time, shouting as he was led from the dock: “I’m just a scapegoat. I didn’t pull the trigger. It wasn’t me.”
It was not until 13 years later, in 2010, that Seddon finally admitted his role in the murder.
However, 25 years on from his sentence, the Parole Board has refused Seddon’s release.
The Board’s decision is based ‘solely’ on the risk Seddon could represent to the public.
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A spokesperson for the Parole Board said: "We can confirm that a panel of the Parole Board refused the release of Paul Seddon following an oral hearing. The panel also refused to recommend a move to an open prison.
“Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community.
“A panel will carefully examine a huge range of evidence, including details of the original crime, and any evidence of behaviour change, as well as explore the harm done and impact the crime has had on the victims.
“Members read and digest hundreds of pages of evidence and reports in the lead up to an oral hearing. Evidence from witnesses such as probation officers, psychiatrists and psychologists, officials supervising the offender in prison as well as victim personal statements may be given at the hearing.
“It is standard for the prisoner and witnesses to be questioned at length during the hearing which often lasts a full day or more. Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority.
“Under current legislation he will be eligible for a further review in due course. The date of the next review will be set by the Ministry of Justice.”
If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of Bolton. Please get in touch at jack.fifield@newsquest.co.uk.
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