Killer and kidnapper Michael Sams confident he will be freed as he’s set to get fourth parole hearing

ONE-legged killer and kidnapper Michael Sams is to get a fourth parole hearing and is confident he will be freed.

Sams, 82, snatched Julie Dart, 18, in 1991 and kept her in a coffin before beating her to death as she tried to flee.

In 1992, he kidnapped estate agent Stephanie Slater, 25 — releasing her after her employer paid a £175,000 ransom.

Sams, of Newark, Notts, was arrested after the first of his three wives recognised his voice on the BBC’s Crimewatch.

He got four life terms in 1993 and was last denied parole last year.

A source said: “Sams believes he’s getting closer to being released on licence.

He tells other prisoners, ‘I’m an old man. What harm could I do?’. But he is evil.”

The Parole Board confirmed his case had been referred to them by the Justice Secretary.

A Parole Board spokesperson said: “We can confirm the parole review of Michael Sams has been referred to the Parole Board by the Secretary of State for Justice and is following standard processes.

“Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community.”