IAN Simms, the man who killed Helen McCourt 32 years ago, is now a free man, but he has a list of conditions he must stick to – including a vast exclusion zone that prevents him entering areas such as St Helens.

In November, Simms’ release was approved by the Parole Board.

This is despite the former pub landlord never revealing the whereabouts of 22-year-old Helen’s remains.

Long-suffering Marie, who has been tormented for three decades by Simms’ refusal to say where he hid his victim’s body, fought hard for the ruling to be overturned, but despite this and support from Justice Secretary Robert Buckland, Simms was released last week.

The Star can confirm that conditions of his life licence include the disclosure of details of any relationship with a woman to his probation officer.

St Helens Star:

Helen McCourt

The strict conditions also set out that Simms cannot contact the McCourt family, must observe a curfew and a tag device to monitor his whereabouts, and is not allowed to enter an exclusion zone.

After last November's parole hearing conditions Marie was informed of his life licence, which will include a huge exclusion zone including all of St Helens, all of Warrington, parts of Greater Manchester stretching up to Trafford and across the Mersey up to Crosby and then up to Preston.

He must also disclose the details of any future relationship with a woman to his probation officer.

The strict conditions also set out in the Parole Board documents state that Simms cannot contact the McCourt family, must observe a curfew and a tag device to monitor his whereabouts, and is not allowed to enter an exclusion zone.

The Parole Board confirmed Simms’ release is subject to the following licence conditions, which must be strictly adhered to, including:

• To reside at a designated address, be of good behaviour, and report as required for supervision or other appointments;

• To wear a GPS tagging device to monitor his whereabouts

• To avoid any contact with the victim’s family and comply with an associated exclusion zone;

• To abide by an overnight curfew;

• To notify his probation officer of any developing relationships with women.

These conditions may be added to, or varied, on application to the Parole Board.

St Helens Star:

Marie McCourt holding a picture of Helen

Pub landlord Simms abducted and murdered insurance clerk Helen McCourt, 22, from Billinge on her way home from work in February 1988.

He denied being responsible but a jury at Liverpool Crown Court convicted him amid overwhelming DNA evidence, despite Helen’s body never being found.

Marie has campaigned for four years to have a new law brought in that would prevent killers who do not reveal the location of their victims’ bodies being released.

Despite this he has been released on the week that marks the 32nd year since her murder.