In a shocking case that has raised serious questions about offender management, a convicted murderer has been sent back to prison just months after being released for killing his pregnant girlfriend.
Dean Gibson, now 42, was originally convicted in 2007 for the brutal murder of 22-year-old Carly Reeves, who was six months pregnant with their child when he strangled her during a violent argument.
A Life Sentence Cut Short
Gibson had been serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 18 years when he was granted release in early 2025. The decision sparked outrage among Carly's family and domestic violence campaigners, who warned he remained a danger to women.
Their fears proved tragically prescient when Gibson breached his licence conditions within months of freedom. While the exact nature of his violations hasn't been disclosed, authorities confirmed they were serious enough to warrant immediate recall to prison.
A Family's Ongoing Trauma
Carly's mother, speaking through tears outside the court, described the emotional rollercoaster her family has endured. "We thought we could finally breathe when he was behind bars," she said. "His release reopened all our wounds, and now this... it's like losing Carly all over again."
The case has highlighted the difficult balance the justice system faces between rehabilitation and public protection. Domestic violence charities have pointed to Carly's murder as a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of abusive relationships.
System Under Scrutiny
Shadow Justice Secretary Sarah Jennings called for an urgent review of the parole process, stating: "This case raises serious questions about how we assess risk and protect the public from dangerous offenders."
The Ministry of Justice defended its decision-making process but acknowledged the "deeply distressing" impact on victims' families when offenders are recalled to prison.
As Gibson begins his return to a prison cell, the debate continues about whether the system adequately protects society from those who have proven capable of the ultimate violence.
