THE Ministry of Justice believe there is an arguable case for the Parole Board to reconsider the decision to release Ian Simms.

On November 21, after 31 years behind bars for the murder of 22-year-old Helen McCourt from Billinge, Ian Simms was told that he had been granted parole.

This was despite the fact that he has never revealed where Helen's remains are.

Helen's mum Marie McCourt has fought to get the law changed so killers who do not reveal the whereabouts of their victims bodies cannot be released.

It was confirmed in May that it was expected to pass into law, under the name Helen's Law, and even mentioned in the Queen's Speech, but before that could pass through parliament, Simms had a parole hearing which ruled he was fit for release.

Marie, 74, had 21 days to gather enough evidence to send to Justice Secretary Robert Buckland for him to ask the parole board to reconsider their ruling.

Today, Wednesday a Ministry of Justice Spokesperson confirmed that this application for Simms release is now to be reconsidered.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “After carefully considering the details of this case, we believe there is an arguable case to meet the threshold for reconsideration. An application has now been made to the independent Parole Board to have the case reconsidered.

“It is now for the Parole Board to decide whether the threshold is met for the decision to be formally reconsidered.”

A reconsideration request can be made if someone has reasons to show the decision is either: procedurally unfair - meaning that the correct process was not followed in the review of the offender for parole - for example, important evidence was not shared or irrational - meaning the decision makes no sense based on the evidence of risk that was considered and that no other rational panel could come to the same conclusion.

An application must be received within three weeks (21 calendar days, excluding Bank Holidays) of the decision being issued.

It has been 19 days since the ruling on November 21. Speaking to the Star, Helen's mum Marie, said: "In the 31 years since Helen was killed, I only wanted one thing from that man, just to know where her body is.

“I have asked and asked and he has denied. So to be told now that him denying me this gives him the appearance of being remorseful is a disgrace.

“Since I heard the news of his release on the 21st I have been desperately gathering everything I have to prove that this man should not be set free.

“They gave me 21 days to do this, 21 days to get enough information together to keep my daughter’s killer behind bars.

“I feel let down. I was assured over and over again that he would not be released if he did not say where she was.

“And to read that the basis for their decision is down to the fact he’s convinced himself he didn’t do it is just ludicrous.”