Fury as firebomb horror
killer applies for parole

A MAN convicted of killing eight family members in a house fire is applying to be released.

Shakiel Amir Shazad was jailed for the manslaughter of eight people in a firebomb attack on a house in Birkby, Huddersfield, in 2002.

His bid for freedom if being opposed by Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman and Kirklees Council leader Mehboob Khan.

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The politicians, along with relatives of the victims, have asked the Parole Board to keep Shazad inside prison.

The news follows a Parole Board decision last year to release Nazar Hussain, a co-accused who was also convicted of eight counts of manslaughter.

Victim Mohammed Shafiq, who escaped the blaze, said those convicted deserved to spend more time in prison.

Mr Sheerman said he had seen no evidence to show that the men were sorry for what they had done.

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Councillor Khan said: “This is a nightmare for the family. We never expected that, within a decade, they might be out and free while the family has a lifetime of pain, agony and suffering.”

Coun Khan said early release from jail in this case was a “travesty of justice”.

He is angry that the family cannot see the documents which support applications for parole.

“Yet all the family’s arguments are able to be demolished by the prisoner,” he said.

“There is a sense of anger and dismay. Confidence in the justice system is being undermined.”