THE DAD of murdered beautician Elle Edwards, who was shot dead on Christmas Eve, has said he “feels sick” after her killer’s co-defendant is being released early.
The 26-year-old was gunned down outside a Merseyside pub in 2022 after innocently getting in the path of rival gang members.
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Her murderer, Connor Chapman, 23, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 48 years.
His accomplice, Thomas Waring, 21, who was convicted of possession of a prohibited weapon and assisting an offender, was sentenced to nine years in prison.
He helped to burn the stolen car used in Elle’s shooting.
Last week, Elle’s dad Tim was informed that Waring will be released early amid efforts to free up prison space – as soon as April 2026.
This would be 15 months earlier than planned.
Speaking to Sky News, he said: “It makes me sick to think he’s being rewarded for his crimes, by being released early.
“It pains me to think that this is the case, not just in our case but in other cases that are happening regularly.”
He claimed that the government’s desire to ease pressure on the prison system had seen it lose sight of the families at the heart of violent crimes.
He added that the family felt disregarded – and that a system should be put in place whereby victims and their families can appeal against a potential early release.
Footage released last year showed the moments leading up to Elle’s death – with the beautician seen smiling outside The Lighthouse after leaving for a cigarette.
She had been enjoying a night out with her sister, who she dropped home before rejoining friends at the pub.
Aiming for two rival gang members, murderer Chapman instead blasted “wholly innocent” Elle in the back of the head twice, a court heard.
She suffered “irrecoverable” injuries and was declared dead shortly after.
Five other people, including Chapman’s intended targets, were injured in the horror attack.
During Chapman’s trial, Tim issued a heartbroken victim impact statement.
He said: “I can’t begin to explain the devastating effect this has. The only people who go through such a horrific experience can ever know how it feels.
“I hope the people in this room never have to experience what we are going through now. We have been given a life sentence.
“Whenever we celebrate birthdays, Easter, family celebrations there will always be Elle missing. We know if she was there, it was always going to be a great time full of laughter and cheer.
“We will always wonder what her children would be like, what her career would turn out like. We will never know. We never asked for this punishment.”
Elle’s mum Gaynor, who was not present at court, said: “I want to know why have you done this? What drove you to do this to my daughter? I can’t accept she’s gone.
“I cannot put into words how much I love and miss her.”
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