The wife of convicted double killer John Barlow says her family is used to disappointment as the Parole Board again refuses to release the 64-year-old, finding he still poses a threat to the public.

Barlow was convicted of killing father and son businessmen Eugene and Gene Thomas in 1994 and has always maintained his innocence.

Angela Barlow is trying hard to keep positive with the next parole hearing due in six months.

"He's getting more home leave, which we've been trying to get for the last year. It's counting down to release we feel. We're hoping, anyway."

Mrs Barlow believes the Parole Board is keeping her husband inside in a bid to prove to the public it is keeping them safe. She believes her husband is being used as a political football.

"I think somebody's decided that he needs to spend more time in prison just to tell the public that this person should not be let out - to back up the decisions they've made in the past. But really, there's no reason why he shouldn't be home."