Britain's longest-serving female prisoner is set to be released after spending almost four decades behind bars, with the Parole Board ruling she no longer poses a risk to the public. Maria Pearson, 70, from Hartlepool, was jailed for life in 1987 after being convicted of murdering her ex-boyfriend's new partner, 23-year-old Janet Newton, the previous year.

A newly published Parole Board decision summary reveals Pearson was in a bigamous relationship at the time of the offence, remaining legally married to her first husband while married to a second man.

The panel heard that Pearson became fearful she would lose both her home and custody of a child after her second husband began a relationship with Ms Newton and decided to annul their marriage.

She then monitored Ms Newton's daily routine before fatally attacking her as she left her home.

During her trial, Pearson attempted to blame her husband for the murder, but the court rejected her account, with the judge concluding she had been driven by jealousy and obsession.

Although Pearson was ordered to serve a minimum term of 12 years, which expired in October 1998, she has remained in prison for nearly three decades since then.

She spent periods in an open prison but was twice returned to higher-security conditions following concerns about her behaviour.

The latest hearing marked the 10th time the Parole Board had considered her release, with proceedings taking place in January and May this year.

In its decision, the panel said it had reached "a finely balanced decision" before concluding Pearson could safely be released.

The summary stated: "The panel was satisfied that imprisonment was no longer necessary for the protection of the public and that she poses no more than a minimal risk of further serious offending."

Pearson will be released on licence under strict conditions, including living at a designated address, observing a curfew enforced by electronic tagging for 12 months, and complying with restrictions designed to prevent any contact with the victim's family.

If she breaches any of the conditions of her licence or her risk increases, she can be recalled to prison.