Secret plan to move Zito killer

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Christopher Clunis was locked up indefinitely after attacking Jonathan Zito, 27, at Finsbury Park station in December 1992.

The case provoked outrage when it emerged that Clunis, now 45, who had a history of violent behaviour, had been released under the controversial "care in the community" programme weeks before the killing. Eight days before the attack, Clunis, who had stopped taking his medication, had been found wandering the streets with a screwdriver and breadknife, threatening children.

Now sources at Rampton high security hospital, Nottinghamshire, have revealed plans to move him to the St Andrew's medium-secure unit in Northamptonshire.

One source said: "Clunis will be transferred on a trial-leave basis for six months with a view to him staying put if all goes to plan. It is hugely significant and the beginning of a stage-by-stage process designed to prepare patients for eventual release back into the community.

"It shows experts feel Clunis is responding to treatment and he could have his freedom sooner than anyone ever expected."

Clunis was diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic in 1986. An inquiry after Mr Zito's death found there had been a "catalogue of failure and missed opportunity" by professionals who should have been monitoring him.

Mr Zito's widow Jayne, 45, started a campaign for better community care for vulnerable patients, founding the Zito Trust in 1994 and winning an OBE.

Today she was too upset to comment on the prospect of Clunis' release.

Previously she has spoken of how dangerous he could be if released. In 2003 she said: "I don't think Clunis will be locked up forever. Because he is so ill you have enormous sympathy for him but that is not to deny he is also dangerous."

Plans to move Clunis - which have been a tightly guarded secret - were approved by the Ministry of Justice last month. A spokesman said: "This does not mean the patient will be released into the community. The agreement to move to an alternate secure unit is only given after thorough assessment and subject to comprehensive safeguards."