Ben Cargill's parents speak after son's killer freed

3:07pm Wednesday 26th November 2008

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THE parents of a 24-year-old man who was stabbed to death by his former housemate say they are “heartened” at the support they have received after their son's killer was released.

Robert Browning was released from hospital last week, just four years after he killed Ben Cargill at a concert in Lowndes Park, Chesham.

Ben's parents, Judy and Jim, said they were “insulted” and felt they “had been kicked in the stomach” after hearing the news paranoid schizophrenic Browning had been freed from hospital.

But they said they were pleased to have had such positive support from friends in the days since.

Judy, 57, said: “My daughter-in-law said 'the sun will shine again one day', which was really nice to hear.

“I have bumped into a few people. One lady just touched my arm and tears came into her eyes. She couldn't say anything.”

Dad Jim, 61, said: “We didn't know if there would be anyone interested any more, but there are and that's great there are still people thinking about him. It heartens you.”

The family have been told Browning is now living in Buckinghamshire, but is not allowed to enter Amersham or Chesham.

He added: “People have all said exactly the same thing as us, that there is something wrong with the system. It's the law, but it's the old adage the law is an ass.

“I haven't heard anyone say one word supporting it at all.”

Ben was stabbed in the back and neck nine times during the attack on August 1 2004 – the day before his 25th birthday.

Browning had been diagnosed as suffering from a psychotic disorder the previous year, but was deemed suitable to live in the community.

Mr Cargill said: “We would like an answer why, after such a short space of time.

“We are not interested in having a vendetta. What we want is justice for our son.

“He was supposed to be controlled and having his drugs before this happened. What a mess.”

He added: “I spoke to one of his friends yesterday. She just said, 'Four years isn't much for a life'. I thought, 'She's right'.”

The First–tier Tribunal (Mental Health), which makes final decisions on release of prisoners detained under the Mental Health Act, said it could not comment on individual cases.

A spokesman said: "The Tribunal’s main purpose is to review the cases of patients detained under the Mental Health Act and to direct the discharge of any patients where the statutory criteria for discharge have been satisfied.

"These cases involve making a balanced judgement on a number of serious issues such as the protection of the public and the best interests of the patient."