Application for a public hearing in the case of Steven Gander

Summary of application.

The Parole Board received an application from Deborah Coleman for the Parole Board hearing in the case of Steven Gander to be heard in public.

• The index offence was murder, making the case exceptionally serious.
• The prisoner was released on life licence in July 2022 but was recalled after just over two years in the community.
• Following release, the prisoner committed a further offence that placed a member of the public at risk and resulted in an additional sentence.
• The public should be aware of the risk the prisoner poses whilst he is in the community.
• The recall demonstrates a continued pattern of targeting vulnerable individuals, consistent with the original offending behaviour and indicates that he was not ready for release into the community previously.
• There are serious concerns about the effectiveness of previous risk assessment and monitoring in the community.
• There are concerns about whether future risk could be safely managed if the prisoner was re-released.
• A public hearing is sought to ensure transparency in how public protection and victim safety are considered in parole decision‑making.

If anyone wishes to make representations regarding this application the Parole Board Rules now allow for submissions from the press and public. There are five working days from publication in which to do this. You can make these representations via the proforma attached on this page. Proforma for representations - GOV.UK]

The deadline for representations is 4pm on Friday 22nd May 2026.