A retired detective has slammed the decision to release convicted murderer Joseph Bagley, who's now on the run.

Bagley spent 40 years in prison after being sentenced to life in 1978 for the murder of a taxi driver.

He was released on life licence in January, in May he went missing from Maidstone.

Retired detective superintendent Nick Biddiss, who helped catch M25 killer Kenneth Noye, said: "It's hard enough gathering evidence and catching these murderers, if they're given a life sentence it should mean life.

"I don't care about what human rights the murderer thinks they're entitled to, if they've killed an innocent person they deserve the proper punishment.

"Some people might say 'well he spent 40 years in prison', but it's about public safety. I've been retired 21 years, now the murderers I helped lock up will start coming out."

Bagley, who murdered a taxi driver in Maidenhead when he was 25, went missing in May after failing to return to his Maidstone home in time for his curfew.

He had been placed on life licence upon release, putting him on parole for the rest of his natural life.

Prisoners who break the conditions of their release can be returned to prison for an indefinite period under the terms of this licence.

Earlier this week Crimestoppers issued a £3,000 reward for information leading to Bagley's capture.

Det Insp Mark Parry said: “We are pursuing all possible lines of inquiry with regards to Joseph Bagley’s whereabouts, but we need the public’s help to find him.

"I believe that he could lash out if he feels threatened or that he is going to be returned to prison, so I am asking the public not to approach him."

Bagley has links to the Surrey, Buckinghamshire areas, and to Scotland.

Det Insp Parry added: "If you know where he is, or have information that could help us to locate him, I ask you to call police immediately on 999, quoting reference number PR/45190050312.”

Bagley is described as white, with blue eyes and grey hair. He is approximately 5ft 11ins tall, and of medium build. He has a memorial tattoo on his left arm, and a scar on one of the fingers on his right hand.

Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or you can use our anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone.