Triple killer awaits inquiry result

TRIPLE killer Jack Whomes is today waiting to hear the result of a third police re-investigation into the case which jailed him for life.

Whomes, from Brockford near Stowmarket was handed three life sentences for the shooting of three drug dealers in a Range Rover, in Rettenden, Essex in December 1995.

He and his family have steadfastly proclaimed his innocence and called the case a 'miscarriage of justice.'

But a judge twice denied him and co-offender Michael Steele from Great Bentley near Colchester, leave to appeal. In 2000, Whomes took the case to the Criminal Cases Review Commission for issues including new mobile phone evidence to be considered.

A spokesman for the Criminal Cases Review Commission today confirmed it has asked a police force – believed to be Hertfordshire - to launch a special re-investigation of way the original case was handled by Essex Police.

The move follows past reviews of the case by both Norfolk Police and the Metropolitan Police, who were asked by Essex Police to double check that procedure had been followed.

The CCRC spokesman said: "It is something we do not very often, but we will if there are significant issues to be investigated. We have got certain expertise but we do sometimes appoint an officer or force to carry out an inquiry for us.

"In this case, that has been done."

He said the re-investigation which started in December, was in its 'last stages.' The CCRC is waiting for the police to return their findings, before deciding if Whomes' case can go to the Court of Appeal.

Essex Police today declined to comment because the re-investigation was still underway.

Whomes' mother Pam Whomes said today: "It is brilliant that we are into the final stages, and our solicitor is confident, but how much has this all cost the taxpayer?

"That's the annoying thing, and the fact that my boy is still stuck there when I believe he's done nothing wrong."