THE mum and dad of a teenager who died 12 years ago are "devastated" after being told her killer was freed from prison on Wednesday.

Darren Pilkington killed Carly Fairhurst, from Hindley, in 2006 after pushing her down a flight of stairs

He was convicted of manslaughter after leaving her to suffer all night with her injuries which she never recovered from.

Pilkington was given an indeterminate sentence and served 10 years in jail before he was released on parole in November 2016 with a number of conditions which he breached last year and was put back behind bars.

After an appeal by the double killer to be released, a panel from the Parole Board held a hearing in August in which it was decided that Pilkington, now 35, was allowed to leave prison.

Three days ago, Carly's parents, Sheila and Trevor, were told by the Ministry of Justice that Pilkington had been released.

Sheila said: "We are devastated. We knew it was coming but it was still a shock.

"If I was a betting person I would put a stake on that he will reoffend.

"It's just at what cost it will have and if he ruins other people's lives."

Pilkington was also found guilty of the manslaughter of his friend Paul Akister in 2000.

The Fairhursts have been consulted on the licence conditions of his release through the Victim Liaison Scheme.

He is staying at a hostel with curfew restrictions and must have regular checks such as drug tests.

Pilkington must also alert the authorities if he starts a romantic relationship.

He has been banned from entering a perimeter which stretches around an area of the M6, M61 and East Lancashire Road.

Sheila and Trevor received MBEs from Prince William last year for campaigning against domestic abuse and setting up The Carly Fund, a charity which provides support for victims.

Its helpline has also been open to anyone affected by the terrorist attacks in Manchester and London in 2017.

The couple have also raised more than £60,000 for Wigan Victim Support and Witness Service, which supported them after Carly's death.