Road rage killer Noye may be free in 12 years

The family of the road rage murder victim Stephen Cameron expressed dismay yesterday after being told that his killer, Kenneth Noye, could be freed within 12 years.

Noye was sentenced to life for murdering Mr Cameron during an argument on a motorway slip road in 1996. He used a knife he kept in his car to stab Mr Cameron as the victim's horrified fiancée looked on.

The killing sparked an international hunt for Noye. He was finally extradited from Spain and sentenced at the Old Bailey two years ago.

David Blunkett, the Home Secretary, has now set a minimum tariff of 16 years, which means Noye could be released in 12 because of the time already served in prison.

Mr Cameron's father, Ken Cameron, said: "I met Jack Straw, who was Home Secretary about 18 months ago, and he said 'life would be life'. But what a load of lies that was. How can you trust any minister who says a thing like that?

"Noye will probably walk free in 12 years' time. He is a career criminal and his empire is still making money for him, he's just changed office."

Noye had been acquitted of the earlier murder of a police officer but had served 14 years in jail for his part in the 1983 Brink's-Mat bullion robbery.

A Home Office spokesman said the tariff was the minimum term to be served and had been set by Mr Blunkett following guidance from the trial judge.