A MUM has called the release of a sadistic killer a “grave error” after he brutally stabbed and murdered her daughter.
Vile farm worker Steven Ling savagely killed Joanne Tulip, 29, at his home on Christmas Day in 1997.
Ling, now 49, carved swastikas and crosses on his victim’s lifeless body after stabbing her 60 times.
He was locked up for life and ordered to spend at least 18 years in prison.
But on Wednesday, 22 January he was released after it was considered he no longer posed a risk.
Joanne’s mum said she feels “deeply shaken”, calling the decision “devastating” and a “grave error”.
She told The Telegraph she is terrified for the safety of women.
Doreen Soulsby had been fighting for 26 years to keep Ling behind bars.
In 2022, she blocked his attempt to move to an open prison, where inmates enjoy less security and are often not locked up in cells.
The decision follows a parole hearing last year, where Doreen had requested it be held in public.
But Ling has “refused to take part” in the review because of “his distress at the thought of a public hearing”, according to parole documents.
A prison psychologist said the prospect of giving evidence in public about his wicked crimes is “triggering experiences of internalised shame”.
He also claimed to be suffering poor mental health, The Sun revealed.
Doreen said Ling was using excuses to avoid having to appear in public.
Usually parole board hearings are held in private away from bereaved families and the glare of the press.
Doreen, of Wall, Northumberland, said: “The main reason I fought for a public hearing was to see and hear Ling – and now I may not even get that.
“He’s said that he doesn’t want a public hearing. He’s terrified. He’s been hiding away in prison and now he’s got to face the public.
How you can get help
Women’s Aid has this advice for victims and their families:
- Always keep your phone nearby.
- Get in touch with charities for help, including the Women’s Aid live chat helpline and services such as SupportLine.
- If you are in danger, call 999.
- Familiarise yourself with the Silent Solution, reporting abuse without speaking down the phone, instead dialing “55”.
- Always keep some money on you, including change for a pay phone or bus fare.
- If you suspect your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower-risk area of the house – for example, where there is a way out and access to a telephone.
- Avoid the kitchen and garage, where there are likely to be knives or other weapons. Avoid rooms where you might become trapped, such as the bathroom, or where you might be shut into a cupboard or other small space.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you can reach out to SupportLine for help. They are available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6pm to 8pm at 01708 765200. You can also contact their email support service on weekdays and weekends at [email protected] during a crisis.
Women’s Aid provides a live chat service – available weekdays from 8am-6pm and weekends 10am-6pm.
You can also call the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
“He said he doesn’t feel he can give the best evidence because his mental health is deteriorating and he’s threatening suicide.
“But mental health is just an excuse. He’s a coward who doesn’t want to face the music after hiding away in prison for 26 years.
“If he doesn’t face the public, then he shouldn’t be released.
“It’s like those criminals who won’t go to court to face sentencing. It should be mandatory, as should this.
“What’s the point of a public hearing if the offender refuses to appear on camera or speak in public?
“We don’t know yet whether we’re going to hear him. We won’t know until the day.”
Ling was jailed in 1998 for the violent murder of Joanne at his home in Stamfordham, Northumberland.
At the time of brutal attack, aged 23, he had a sick sexual obsession with cutting skin.
Murder of Joanne Tulip
Farm worker Steven Ling stabbed Joanne Tulip, 29, to death on Christmas Day in 1997.
Ling, now 49, carved swastikas and crosses on his victim’s lifeless body after stabbing her 60 times.
At the time of brutal attack, aged 23, he had a sick sexual obsession with cutting skin.
During the case, he admitted to having non-consensual sex with Joanne. However, the prosecution decided to drop the rape charge and focus on the murder accusation instead.
He was locked up for life in December 1998 and ordered to spend at least 18 years in prison.
Ling now faces a parole hearing on July 16 which will be held in public at the request of hairdresser Joanne’s family.
The review could see him moved to an open prison and allowed out on day release under minimal supervision.
