STATEMENT - Sentencing of Lawrence Bierton for the murder of Mrs Pauline Quinn
Following today’s sentencing, Lawrence Bierton will spend the rest of his life behind bars. Had he still been behind bars for his previous crimes or dealt with properly upon his release, then the tragic murder of Mrs Quinn would have been prevented. To house a convicted double killer in an area with elderly and vulnerable residents is more than just negligent - it is unforgivable.
Justice can never truly be served when a person’s life has been taken, but this sentence will mean Bierton is never free to commit these crimes in our community, or indeed anywhere else, again.
I am appalled at what I have heard from both the Probation Service and East Midlands Ambulance Service and there are clear failings on multiple levels. Whilst this provides the community and the family of Mrs Quinn with some answers, it is now important that all of the information related to this tragedy is fully disclosed. This should include why warnings to the relevant authorities from neighbours and concerned members of the public over Bierton’s behaviour weren’t acted upon prior to the crime being committed.
I am therefore calling for a full public inquiry into the events leading up to this horrific crime and will be raising this case at the highest level to make sure lessons can be learnt and this can never happen again.
Brendan Clarke-Smith MP
Member of Parliament for Bassetlaw
