Britain’s youngest female murderer has had her transfer to an open prison halted due to concerns about the risk of reoffending. Sharon Carr committed the crime at the age of 12 when she fatally stabbed 18-year-old Katie Rackliff over 30 times in 1992. Despite being involved in attacks on fellow inmates and attempting to strangle two nurses during her detention, a recent report from the Daily Mirror indicated she was approved for the move to an open prison. However, Justice Secretary David Lammy intervened to prevent this transfer.
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Justice emphasized the severity of Katie Rackliff’s murder and stated that public safety remains the primary focus. The decision to block Carr’s move to open conditions was made to ensure proper public protection. The potential transfer could have led to Carr’s eventual release in two years, but a Parole Board summary highlighted ongoing concerns about her displaying “active risk factors.”
These risk factors included strong emotional attachments and difficulties accepting rejection. A prison psychologist opposed her transfer to open conditions, suggesting a more stringent specialized regime in a closed prison setting. Despite Carr’s admission of guilt in Katie’s murder and her demonstration of self-awareness about her past offenses, she continues to exhibit concerning behaviors, as detailed in official documents. Now in her mid-40s, Carr has undergone specialized programs to address her criminal history.
Initially described as an extremely dangerous individual by the sentencing judge, Carr has been moved through various secure facilities since her incarceration, including HMP Holloway, Broadmoor Hospital, Rampton Hospital, and the Orchard Unit. Due to safety concerns, she was relocated to HMP Bronzefield in 2015 and later to HMP Low Newton in 2018, with a subsequent return to Bronzefield following a violent incident with another inmate in 2019.
The victim, Katie, was found deceased near a cemetery in Farnborough, Hants, in 1992, having last been seen leaving a nightclub in Camberley, Surrey. It took four years before Carr was linked to the murder while serving time for a separate offense. Diaries seized by authorities contained disturbing entries reflecting Carr’s unsettling thoughts about the crime and her fascination with violence.
Despite ongoing evaluations and interventions, Carr’s history of violent behavior and unresolved psychological issues continue to raise concerns about her potential for reintegration into society. The decision to block her move to an open prison underscores the ongoing efforts to prioritize public safety and prevent further harm.