Murderer John Cannan should never be released, says detective who quizzed him

09 October 2023 , 20:11

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Detective Superintendent Jim Dickie (Image: Turquoise TV)

Murderer John Cannan should never be released, according to a detective who quizzed him over missing estate agent Suzy Lamplugh.

Former Scotland Yard sleuth Jim Dickie spoke after the parole board revealed the serial rapist was too dangerous to free. The ex-Detective Superintendent said: “Common sense has prevailed and the parole board has got it spot on. He’s still in denial about all of his offending.

“He should never be released because he would attack again. Some of his victims are still in fear of their lives. If he’s released, they fear he will seek them out.” Cannan, 69, has served his minimum of 33 years and seven months for the murder of Bristol newlywed Shirley Banks in 1987.

He was also convicted of a number of rapes, two attempted kidnappings and two offences of abduction with intent to engage in unlawful sexual intercourse. Cannan is the prime suspect for the murder of Suzy, who vanished aged 25 in 1986. He appeared before a Parole Board panel at Full Sutton Prison, East Yorkshire, last month.

The board’s summary said: “Mr Cannan has maintained his innocence regarding the index offences and the panel noted this had made it difficult to fully understand the motivations and triggers to his offending.” In 2002, police took the unusual step of naming Cannan as the man who killed Suzy after the CPS ruled there was insufficient evidence to prosecute him.

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Suzy went missing after going to meet a man called “Mr Kipper” in Fulham, West London. Cannan is said to have used the name Kipper in jail. He has been interviewed about Suzy at least four times but has denied involvement.

The Met is conducting a forensic review.

Tom Pettifor