NgomaNzito
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- Jan 10, 2008
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Zito's crazed killer 'to go free
THE madman who killed newly-wed musician Jonathan Zito is secretly being prepared for release, The Sun can reveal.
Schizophrenic Christopher Clunis was locked up indefinitely after fatally stabbing 27-year-old Jonathan through the eye as he waited on a Tube station platform in December 1992.
Tragic ... Jonathan and Jayne Zito
The case sparked outrage when it emerged that 18-stone Clunis, now 45, had been released under the controversial Care In The Community programme just weeks before the killing despite a long history of violence.
Now he has been granted trial leave from Rampton top-security hospital, Nottinghamshire, under what insiders describe as his first steps to freedom.
Last night Jonathans anguished widow Jayne, 45, was too upset to comment.
Rampton ... Christopher Clunis set to be moved out
Speaking at her home in Truro, Cornwall, she said: I really dont want to say anything about this, thank you.
Plans to move Clunis which have been kept a tightly-guarded secret were personally approved by Justice Minister Jack Straw last month.
Only a handful of medics have been briefed about the transfer, which will see him move to the St Andrews medium-secure unit in Northamptonshire within weeks.
A source revealed: Clunis will be transferred on a trial leave basis for six months, with a view to him staying put if all goes to plan.
It is hugely significant and the beginning of a stage-by-stage process designed to prepare patients for eventual release back into the community.
It shows experts feel Clunis is responding to treatment and he could have his freedom sooner than anyone ever expected.
Clunis was first diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 1986.
An inquiry after the killing found he had been discharged from NINE
Jonathan had only been wed three months when he was stabbed by Clunis at Finsbury Park station, North London.
In a tragic twist, Jayne had just picked up their wedding snaps when police arrived at their house to break the terrible news.
She has since spent her life campaigning for better community care and founded the Zito Trust in 1994, winning an OBE for her efforts.
In 2003 Jayne said: I dont think Clunis will be locked up for ever. Because he is so ill you have enormous sympathy for him. But that is not to deny he is also dangerous.
Last night a Justice Ministry spokeswoman said: This does not mean the patient will be released into the community. The agreement to move to an alternate secure unit is only given after thorough risk assessment, and subject to comprehensive safeguards.
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Source:The sun
