The chilling image of Kevin Lakeman, hands cuffed, surrounded by guards, belies the decades of fear he inflicted. He wasn't simply a violent offender; he was a predator who systematically terrorized women, leaving a trail of trauma across Sunderland.
While a knife often featured in his attacks, it represented only a fraction of his calculated cruelty. Approximately ninety women have come forward with allegations, each story a testament to his relentless abuse and control.
One victim endured a particularly harrowing ordeal, dragged to three separate locations over two years, her life held hostage by Lakeman’s depravity. The psychological scars run deep, a constant reminder of the terror she experienced.
Now, Lakeman is again seeking parole, igniting a desperate campaign by his survivors. They demand transparency, a public hearing where the full extent of his crimes can be acknowledged and the potential risk to the community thoroughly examined.
That plea was swiftly rejected by the Parole Board, opting instead for a private assessment. A panel of experts will weigh reports detailing his progress in prison against the enduring threat he poses if released.
Lakeman’s legal counsel argued that a public hearing would jeopardize his safety, citing potential attacks from vigilantes fueled by media coverage. They also raised concerns about his mental state, suggesting the scrutiny could trigger self-harm or even suicide.
The Parole Board Chair echoed these fears, acknowledging the very real possibility that a public hearing could incite violence against Lakeman, even within the prison system or should his location become known. The risk of a fatal attack, they stated, was significantly heightened.
This case highlights a growing tension surrounding parole hearings. While the system began opening hearings to the public in December 2021 – cases like those of Charles Bronson and David Norris drawing significant attention – the safety of all involved remains paramount.
Lakeman’s history is particularly disturbing given his previous release in January 2019. He was swiftly recalled to prison in March of the same year after repeatedly violating the conditions of his license, demonstrating a clear inability to adhere to restrictions.
For one survivor, the prospect of his release is paralyzing. Despite assurances from probation services, she lives in constant fear, knowing Lakeman is aware of her location and facing the terrifying question: what does he have to lose?
A recent review of historical allegations, while confirming the rationale behind decisions made in 1995, has yielded no further action. The past remains a haunting presence, a stark reminder of the justice that felt, and continues to feel, incomplete.
