Cop killer James Hurley set for prison release after jail break and going on run for 13 years
The decision to free a cop killer who went on the run for 13 years is the “ultimate betrayal”, a police leader has said.
James Hurley, now 62, was jailed for life for the murder of off-duty constable Frank Mason, 27, during a security van raid in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, in 1988. Hurley escaped from custody six years later by threatening a prison officer with a knife as he was being moved between jails.
After an international manhunt spanning more than a decade, Dutch police found him during a raid on a suspected drug dealer in the Hague in 2007. He has now been cleared for release by the parole board following a hearing last October.
Chair of Hertfordshire Police Federation Luke Mitchell told the Mirror: “We are outraged, disgusted and in disbelief to hear that Hurley has been cleared for release from prison. It is absolutely unpalatable, and I know this news will send shockwaves through all officers, not just Hertfordshire, but those up-and-down the country – both serving and retired. What Hurley did is unforgivable.
“He murdered an off-duty police officer, PC Frank Mason. What message does releasing him from prison send to the policing family? What message does this send to Frank’s family? This is the ultimate betrayal.” Hurley took part in the armed robbery of a security van outside Barclays Bank with two gunmen, Perry Wharrie and Charles McGhee, on April 14, 1988. Hurley was the getaway driver and was parked nearby.
Constable Mason was walking his dog when he bravely attempted to stop the robbery but, as he grabbed one of the suspects, he was shot in the back. Mr Mitchell added: “This was a tragic, horrifying case, and for it to be even considered, let alone agreed, that Hurley is released from prison is an outrage. As we digest this news, our primary thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Frank, especially his wife, Jill. I want to take this opportunity to stress that Frank’s heroism, bravery and courage will never be forgotten.
“We continue to honour Frank here in Hertfordshire. Each year, the Frank Mason Memorial Award is presented by the Force, to an officer who has displayed the qualities of dedication, professionalism and selflessness in protecting the community that Frank demonstrated.”
Refusing an appeal against his sentence in 2016, Lady Justice Hallett, sitting with two other judges, described Hurley’s bid to clear his name as “frankly incredible”. She told the court: “His [Hurley’s] account has varied over the years in significant respects… he has changed his account several times on when he knew a man had been shot.
“He appears to be the kind of man who is prepared to change his account as and when he feels his interests dictate.” Hurley’s lawyer had told the court that he had not given evidence in his defence at his trial because he was intimidated by McGhee. He previously claimed that he was not aware a gun was going to be used in the robbery.
A decision summary released by the parole board this week said Hurley’s behaviour in prison had been “largely good” since he was returned from Holland. He had been given “a trusted position of employment” and acted as a mentor to other inmates. The summary concluded: “The panel was satisfied that imprisonment was no longer necessary for the protection of the public.”
Hurley was jailed in 1989. On February 16, 1994, he was being transferred to Wandsworth Prison on a coach hired from a private firm. Hurley and another prisoner to whom he was handcuffed started to cause a disturbance. When a prison officer approached, the second prisoner produced a knife and held it to his throat, demanding the officers unlock the handcuffs. They did so and Hurley fled.
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