Murderer stabbed woman after being released

This is what happens in a country where criminals are allowed to run riot and murderers are given early release for "good behaviour."

Terry St John, nicknamed "Spiderman" after scaling a 200ft tower block to kill a history lecturer in 1995, has been jailed for more than eight years after striking a woman on the neck with a screwdriver and stealing her handbag.

He admitted carrying out the robbery in Brixworth on January 9, Northamptonshire Police said.

The 53-year-old climbed into the victim's car, assaulted her and ran off with the handbag, which caused her "considerable distress".

He was originally handed a life sentence for murder in 1995 for clubbing Sean Mortimer to death with a claw hammer.

The serial criminal's trial in 1995 heard he carried out 12 burglaries on high-rise blocks of flats in south-east London before killing the 31-year-old.

He was originally arrested for shoplifting until police found the weapon, rubber gloves and documents belonging to Mr Mortimer.

He was released on life licence.

Dan Hayes, Lead investigator Detective Constable of Northampton CID, said: "The victim was on her lunch break and pulled up to take a phone call, then the next thing she knew a man was in her car with her.

"He used violence to threaten her, striking her in the neck with a screwdriver before running off with her handbag.

"St John is a dangerous man who caused his victim considerable distress and this sentence rightfully reflects the damage that this incident has caused her.

"Everyone involved in this case has worked really hard and I'd like to thank everyone for the parts they have played in ensuring justice has been done."