Mother Distressed Over Possible Early Release of Son's Killers
Janice Lees, a mother from Blackpool, has expressed her distress and anger after learning that two men convicted in the manslaughter of her son, Andrew Flamson, may be eligible for early release under recent government sentencing reforms.
Andrew Flamson died in hospital three days after being struck by a car in a hit-and-run incident in Coventry in July 2022. The attack was reportedly carried out in retaliation for a £400 drugs debt.
The driver, Ashley Donald, was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2023 for murder. Three passengers in the vehicle, including Carl Tomlinson and Callum Ayre, were also convicted and sentenced, but recent reforms could allow them to be considered for release halfway through their sentences.
The Ministry of Justice declined to provide updates on individual cases but stated that the most dangerous offenders are excluded from early release and that those released face strict conditions.
Lees described the notification that Tomlinson and Ayre might be released early as
"a bloody insult to me and all the other mothers whose children have been murdered".
Callum Ayre and Carl Tomlinson were sentenced to 12 and 13 years respectively for manslaughter in 2023.
Details of the Case and Sentencing
Andrew Flamson, who was involved in drug use and dealing, was fatally injured in an act of retaliation following a dispute over money owed for cannabis.
Tomlinson and Ayre, both from Coventry, received sentences of 13 and 12 years respectively, while Donald was ordered to serve a minimum of 23 years.
A fourth passenger, Samuel Henneberry, died in prison in 2025. All three were convicted of Flamson’s manslaughter.
Notification of Possible Early Release
Lees reported that she was shocked to receive an email from her Probation Service victim liaison officer two weeks prior, informing her that Tomlinson and Ayre were eligible to have their sentences reduced.
She believes this means they would serve only 50% of their sentences instead of the previous two-thirds, under the Sentencing Act passed in January.
"She said, that the two men who was still serving sentences for the manslaughter of my boy, would be released early, possibly within the next two years."
Government Reforms and Public Reaction
The Sentencing Act includes a broad set of measures resulting in thousands of offenders being released early starting in September, aimed at alleviating prison overcrowding.
Reports indicate that some released offenders may include individuals convicted of serious crimes such as murder, rape, and sexual offenses, prompting widespread criticism of the government.
The Progression Model, introduced by the act, changes the earliest possible release date for standard determinate sentences from two-thirds to one-half of the sentence served.
Standard determinate sentences represent the maximum custodial time an offender may serve, although the full term may not always be spent in prison.
Political Response
Lorraine Beavers, Labour MP for Blackpool North and Fleetwood, expressed sympathy for victims and their families, particularly Janice Lees.
"She is right to be angry. Any prospect of early release is worrying for those still living with the consequences of these offences.
All victims should be kept fully informed and treated with compassion and respect, and dangerous criminals such as those responsible for Andrew's death should not be released."
Official Communication to Lees
In the email to Lees, reviewed by the BBC, the probation officer explained that the two prisoners could have their custodial terms reduced because they are serving standard determinate sentences.
"The changes are being applied to all offenders already sentenced and those who are being sentenced from now onwards,"the email stated, adding that the officer would inform Lees when the prison confirmed their release dates.
Lees expressed disagreement with the retrospective application of the reforms.
Lees on Justice and Personal Impact
"It's an injustice for all victims... and it has sickened me that the government passed this law,"Lees said.
She recounted attending the court trial where she viewed CCTV footage of her son's killing.
"They had a fair trial. They dragged me through a trial and showed me what they'd done to my child. I sat and I saw that,"she said.
"Judge Lockhart was firm and fair. He gave them what they deserved, and they should sit there and come out when the sentence is served.
I do get emotional. I try and be rational, but it's not a rational thing to have your child murdered."
Plans to Honor Her Son
Lees intends to commemorate the anniversary of her son's death by placing a new ornament in a memorial garden she has created at her home.
"I'm going to push this as far as I'm able to push it,"she added, having contacted MP Lorraine Beavers to seek further action.
"You know, I talk to him a lot,"Lees said, describing how she spends time in the garden reflecting and remembering her son.
Ministry of Justice Statement
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice stated that the government is addressing the prison capacity crisis it inherited, emphasizing that public and victim safety remain top priorities.
"Without this decisive action, prisons will run out of space entirely as early as November and we will be unable to lock up serious offenders at all,"the spokesperson said.
"Offenders who a judge has deemed the most dangerous are automatically blocked from early release, and prisoners who behave badly while behind bars face being locked up for longer.
Anyone who is released faces tough rules such as restrictions on their movements, tagging, being banned from attending public events, pubs and clubs, backed by our record £700m investment into probation and 1,300 extra probation officers."
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