Mother raped and drowned in Birtley, killer to be freed
- Michael Wade forced his way into the home of 42-year-old Jean Whitfield in Birtley, Gateshead, where he beat and raped her before drowning her in the bath.
- Wade was serving a life sentence after being convicted of rape and murder, with a minimum of 20 years to serve, but is now set for release following a Parole Board decision.
- The victim's sister expressed her devastation over the decision, fearing for the safety of herself and the community upon Wade's release.
Michael Wade inflicted a brutal assault on Jean Whitfield in her home in Birtley, Gateshead, leading to her death in 2003. The attack was characterized by extreme violence; Wade not only raped Whitfield but also drowned her in the bathtub. This heinous crime resulted in Wade receiving a life sentence, with a stipulation to serve a minimum of 20 years, reflecting the severity of his actions and history of violent behavior. Despite this past, Wade has been granted parole after demonstrating what the Parole Board termed 'progress' during his incarceration. The panel acknowledged his completion of various rehabilitation programs aimed at addressing his sexual offending and alcohol-related issues, indicating that he might no longer pose a threat to the public. This decision to release him has led to significant emotional turmoil for Whitfield's family. Jean's sister, Ms. Robinson, has been vocal about her distress over the Parole Board's ruling, expressing concern for her own safety and the safety of others in the community. She highlights the contradictions in the system, suggesting that those deciding on Wade's release may not fully comprehend the risks he carries. The planned release of Wade in 2025 has ignited fears that he may not adhere to restrictions placed upon him, raising questions about the effectiveness of the parole system in protecting the public from violent offenders even after they have served time.