A KILLER who beat a gifted student to death could be released next month after serving only two-and-a-half years in prison.

Labourer Christopher Woolley killed Patrick Brown in an unprovoked attack outside Durham City's railway station, in February 2001.

But after serving 30 months of a life sentence, his victim's parents have learned he will be eligible for parole in August.

Patrick's father, David Brown, from Northumberland, said last night: "It really is a joke - 30 months is outrageous.

"This has dredged back up all the painful memories. We have always been a strong family, but this has really hurt us."

Woolley pounced on 21-year-old Patrick in the hillside lane that leads from the station to the city centre, punching him repeatedly.

His final blow was so hard that Patrick, a Durham University student, crashed down the side of the embankment, landing head first on the concrete below.

Woolley, 24, of Bek Road, Newton Hall, Durham City, was given a life sentence for manslaughter at Sheffield Crown Court in February 2002.

But the trial Judge, Justice Bennett, astounded Mr Brown and his wife, Margaret, by ordering that Woolley would only have to serve a minimum of 30 months before being considered for parole.

On Friday, Patrick's parents received a letter from the Parole Board, stating Woolley's minimum sentence was up and he was applying for parole.

But the Home Office has refused to reveal which prison Woolley is in, and told them they cannot attend or be represented at the parole hearing.

"When he goes for parole, he is entitled to appear in front of the board and to have legal representation," said Mr Brown. "I asked if we as a family could put our case forward, but it was flatly refused.

"The only way we are allowed to make our feelings known, is to put them in writing."

At Woolley's trial in 2002, the court heard how he had already spent two years in a young offenders' institution, after attacking two students and nearly killing one.

Mr Brown is holding a golf day to raise funds for the North of England Victims' Association, at Matfen Hall, Northumberland, on August 19. Anyone interested in entering a team or sponsoring the event can contact him on 07769 737572.

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