Kitching parole inquiry delayed

Late objections dismay victim's son

An inquiry into the Isle of Man parole system has been adjourned  after concerns were raised by a key witness.

Advocate Geoff Karran was appointed to chair the hearing after a Tynwald vote in the summer.

The inquiry was set up amid public and political concern over the case of Donovan Kitching, who knocked over and killed pedestrian Gwen Valentine in April 2014, just three weeks after his early release from prison.  

However, Parole Committee chairman John Kermode raised concerns over the independence of the inquiry and issues such as being able to obtain suitable legal advice.

The objections were raised at the start of a scheduled three days of questioning (26 Oct) and forced chairman Geoff Karran to call a postponement until 13 November.

Gwen Valentine's son Stuart who was at the inquiry, said it was a frustrating setback: