Full Breakdown
Sharon Carr: The Controversial Path to Open Prison
1/2/2026, 9:57:28 PM
Background on Sharon Carr's Crime
Sharon Carr, known as Britain's youngest female murderer, committed her crime at the age of 12 when she stabbed 18-year-old Katie Rackliff over 30 times on June 7, 1992. The murder occurred as Rackliff was returning home from a nightclub in Camberley, Surrey. Carr's violent history includes a prior incident in 1994, where she stabbed a 13-year-old girl, leading to her eventual capture.
Current Status and Parole Review
Now aged 45, Carr has been recommended for a transfer to an open prison, a decision pending approval from Justice Secretary David Lammy. This recommendation follows her fifth parole review since her minimum 12-year sentence expired in 2009. Despite her admission of guilt and completion of specialist programs aimed at understanding her behavior, concerns remain regarding her potential danger to society.
Risk Assessment and Controversy
A summary of the parole board ruling highlighted that Carr continues to exhibit "evidence of active risk factors" during her incarceration. These include intense emotional attachments that can turn violent when rejected. A prison psychologist opposed her move to open conditions, advocating instead for a more stringent regime in a closed prison. This view was echoed by representatives from the Justice Secretary's office, emphasizing the ongoing risks associated with her release.
Historical Context of Carr's Incarceration
Carr's journey through the penal system has been tumultuous. Initially held in HMP Holloway, she was transferred to Broadmoor Hospital in 1998 and later to Rampton Hospital in 2007. After returning to HMP Bronzefield in 2015 due to presenting risks to staff and patients, she was moved to HMP Low Newton in 2018 but was returned to Bronzefield following a violent incident in 2019.
Criticism and Opposition
The prospect of Carr's release has sparked significant public concern and criticism. Many argue that her past behavior and documented violent fantasies indicate she still poses a threat. Justice Julian Knowles previously noted her alarming thoughts about harming others, reinforcing fears about her suitability for open prison conditions.
Official Statements and Responses
The Parole Board confirmed that while they recommended a move to open conditions, they did not approve Carr's release. A spokesperson stated, "We can confirm that the Parole Board refused the release of Sharon Carr but recommended a move to open conditions prison following an oral hearing." The final decision rests with the Secretary of State for Justice, who must weigh the parole board's advice against public safety concerns.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I wish I could kill you again. I would make you suffer more. Your terrified screams turn me on. I swear I was born to be a murderer. Killing for me is a mass turn on and it makes me so high. Every night, I see the Devil in my dreams.” — Sharon Carr
- “disclosed thoughts of wanting to murder another resident by splitting her head open with a flask and throwing her down the stairs to snap her neck” — Justice Julian Knowles
The ongoing debate surrounding Sharon Carr's potential release underscores the complexities of balancing rehabilitation with public safety, as her case continues to evoke strong reactions from both advocates for her freedom and those who fear the consequences of her release.
