12 years is too soon to free my husband's murderer

Frances Lawrence today revealed that she will write to the Parole Board urging it to delay the release of Learco Chindamo, who stabbed her husband to death outside his school in Maida Vale.

The 27-year-old has applied for early release after 12 years in prison. His parole hearing is expected to take place in the next couple of months. He could even be given a new home and identity, with his own security guards.

Mrs Lawrence today said she accepts that he will eventually be freed, but feels it is too soon after 12 years. The 60-year-old mother of four said: "It is a very complex situation. My view is the same as it always has been." She was not optimistic over how much influence she will have, saying: "I cannot be sure it is going to make any difference."

The parole hearing will be one of the most sensitive in years. Justice Secretary Jack Straw is likely to oppose the move but has no direct influence over the Parole Board panel's decision. It is understood that probation officers have already begun preparing for Chindamo's life outside of prison.

One possibility, yet to be confirmed, is that he could be given a new identity, home and security protection - paid for by the taxpayer.

Officials will consider whether, like Soham liar Maxine Carr and the killers of James Bulger, he should be given a court order to prevent anyone revealing where he is.

Earlier this year, Mrs Lawrence criticised the laws that mean Italianborn Chindamo cannot be deported. She said: "Chindamo went beyond the law and the Human Rights Act, taking away the most fundamental right of all, my husband's right to life. But then he was allowed to pick and choose from it to help him continue his life."

Chindamo was 15 when he stabbed Mr Lawrence to death outside StGeorge's Roman Catholic School in December 1995 as the headteacher tried to protect one of his pupils. He was convicted of murder at the Old Bailey in October 1996.

In August this year, his freedom hopes appeared to suffer a blow when it was revealed that Home Office officials had described him as a "present and serious threat" to the public. Based on assessments by probation staff and other experts, Chindamo was said to be volatile and likely to re-offend.