THE family of a pensioner murdered by a prostitute has criticised a decision to release her killer.

Sandha Robertson, 52, of Wibsey, the daughter-in-law of Mary Robertson, who was stabbed to death on Boxing Day 1998, branded the Parole Board's decision to release her killer imminently as "horrendous".

The 67-year-old was killed at the home of her lifelong friend Nora Stannard in Church Street, Manningham.

Jane Pauline Cawley admitted murder and wounding with intent and was jailed for life in November 1999.

Mrs Stannard was also stabbed and had her throat slashed in the attack, but survived.

The two women befriended Cawley after they had met in the New Inn, Manningham, and offered to take her in away from her pimp.

Cawley attacked them when she refused to leave after outstaying her welcome.

A minimum jail term was not set by the judge, but a High Court hearing in July 2008 reviewed the case and set a tariff of 13 years and six months.

Now, following a Parole Board hearing earlier this month, Cawley is set to be released from prison. This decision was deferred from August last year.

Sandha, who claims Cawley will be released in the next two weeks, said: "My family are upset and disappointed that life does not mean life.

"It's just horrendous. My children are devastated. The whole family is just in turmoil again. I think it's absolutely appalling that she's been released.

"It's just a living nightmare. Our society seems to look after the criminal.

"We are shocked really given the seriousness of the crime. The punishment does not fit it.

"Who is going to monitor or police if she comes into Bradford or not?

"We have never forgotten. It never leaves you.

"We will never forget what she did.

"It's just been absolutely devastating. You cope with it but this has brought it all back to the forefront. It's just like we are reliving it, what we had to endure.

"We are carrying the life sentence, not her.

"The fact that she could come back into Bradford is absolutely appalling. It beggars belief that it could actually happen.

"What she did was callous and heartless, to somebody who was offering her some compassion. The family are trying to get each other through it again."

A Parole Board spokesman confirmed Cawley's release but said they were unable to comment further on the case.

He said: "We can confirm that a three member panel of the Board has directed the release of Jane Pauline Cawley.

"The decision to release is a matter for the Board, which is independent - arrangements and the date of the release are a matter for the Secretary of State."