A CATSHILL couple are asking Advertiser/Messenger readers to back their plea to Tony Blair to keep the paedophile who murdered their son behind bars.

Sue and Tony Edmonston are distraught after learning the killer is due to go before a special panel which has the power to release him later this year.

The couple are now launching a campaign to petition the Prime Minister and bombard Westminster with letters from supporters calling for a change in the law.

Bernard Macanaspie was jailed for life in 1981, with the recommendation he serve at least 20 years, after admitting the horrific murder of Steven Edmonston.

He beat up the boy before subjecting him to a terrifying sex ordeal and finally stabbed him through the heart.

Now the 20 years is up, Sue, aged 50, and 49-year-old Tony fear the man who blighted their lives will again soon be free to do as he likes.

Macanaspie, whom Steven called "uncle", lived next door to the family in Harlow, Essex, when their nightmare began - and even helped look for the body.

Mr Edmonston said: "This man took our two daughters to the zoo and out to dinner while we were searching for Steven.

"He offered to identify the body and I remember him standing in our garden, hugging me for what seemed a long time, saying we would find the animal who did this to my son."

He added: "If he can trick us, then he can trick this panel into believing he should be freed."

Mrs Edmonston said : "The 20-year sentence seemed a long time and we managed to get on with our lives.

"Now the nightmare has been raked up again. Life should mean life, especially for someone who could do this."

She added: "I would hate for him to put another family through this."

At the time of Steven's death, the couple - who moved to Catshill four years ago - sent a 200,000-name petition to the then Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, calling for life to mean life for serious offenders.

Because the tragedy happened so long ago, Macanaspie will not even have to be on the sex offenders register.

Those who back the Edmonstons' appeal can send letters to: Steven Edmonston Campaign, c/o Advertiser/Messenger, 5 High Street, Bromsgrove B61 8AJ and we will pass them on to the couple.