Marie McCourt 'horrified' to learn she was in same city as Ian Simms while he was out of prison

Pub landlord Ian Simms abducted and murdered insurance clerk Helen McCourt, 22, from Billinge in February 1988.

He denied being responsible but a jury at Liverpool Crown Court convicted him amid overwhelming DNA evidence as he was jailed for life and told he would have to serve at least 16 years before he could be considered for parole.

The refusal of Simms to reveal the whereabouts of her remains have kept him locked up beyond the minimum tariff, but he was released for five days in Birmingham on probation.

Simms, who maintains his innocence, was photographed recently waiting for a bus in Birmingham and told the newspaper: “If I knew where the body was I would never have done 16 years extra in prison, would I?”

Speaking to the Star, Marie McCourt, Helen's mum, said: "I am absolutely horrified that he has been released for five days in the public without being told and even more so that by chance I was in Birmingham that very same day.

"I could have walked past him or even spoke to my daughter's killer because I do not know what he looks like now.

"Last time I saw him was at the trial 31 years ago.

"How on earth they have reached a decision to allow this without telling me is so upsetting.

"I increased the usual area of which he is not allowed to come into if he ever was released, as I still don't know where Helen's body is.

"Looking back now I am scared for my life because he could have spoke to me or even stalked me around Birmingham.

"Birmingham isn't that far from here, I would have hoped London or Newcastle would be suitable to send him.

"He is a dangerous man, a danger to the public."

Ian Simms has served more thna 30 years in prison

Marie has been campaigning for a new law, which would mean convicted murderers who refuse to reveal the whereabouts of their victims’ bodies would remain behind bars.

It would be called Helen’s Law in her daughter’s memory.

To sign go to here.