Evil murderer who abducted and killed Hartlepool toddler Rosie Palmer to remain in prison

Shaun Armstrong carried out one of the most shocking and notorious crimes the town has ever seen in the mid 90s on the Headland.

He snatched three-year-old Rosie after she had gone to buy an ice cream from a van while playing with a neighbour in Henrietta Street on June 30 in 1994.

After a wide-scale search, police discovered her body days three later hidden in Armstrong’s flat just yards away in Frederic Street.

He was jailed for life in 1995 after admitting her murder.

In 2006 a High Court judge set the minimum term at 16 years less 12 months and 21 days Armstrong spent on remand.

Prisoners serving life sentences are referred to the Parole Board for a review every two years after their minimum tariff expires.

Following Armstrong’s latest hearing at the end of January, it has been confirmed that he will not be released after the board considered the risk he still poses to the public.

A spokesperson for the Parole Board said: “We can confirm that a panel of the Parole Board did not direct the release of Shaun Armstrong following an oral hearing.

“Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community.

“The panel carefully examined a whole range of evidence, including details of the original crime, and any evidence of behaviour change, as well as understood the harm done and impact the crime has had on any victims.

“Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority.

“A review takes place with extreme care and the protection of the public is our top priority.

“Under current legislation he will be eligible for a further review in due course. The date of the next review will be set by the Ministry of Justice.”

Armstrong, who had a history of psychiatric problems and had threatened to kill children, had been released from Hartlepool General Hospital and rehoused near Rosie’s family in 1993.

Her mother, midwife Beverley, launched a claim for damages against hospital bosses in 1999 for negligence, but it was unsuccessful.

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