Killer’s son barred from job with police

19 July 2008
Rochdale Observer

Nick Tighe, Son of Ronald Castree

The son of Lesley Molseed’s killer Ronald Castree has had a job application rejected by the police due to his father’s criminal background Nick Tighe, of Rawtenstall, is furious after his bid to become a PCSO or detention officer with Greater Manchester Police was turned down.

Castree, aged 54 and from Shaw, was jailed in November for the murder of the 11-year-old Turf Hill girl in 1975. But Nick, who works as a mental health carer, says it is unfair that he is being punished for his father’s crimes. He said: "How can I change my life when I am being restricted this way? "My whole life has been turned upside down because of this man."

The 29-year-old, who has complained to GMP about the decision, added: "The murder happened four years before I was born. Why should I be penalised for it? He may be my biological father, but I have not seen him for 10 years. "It is totally unfair. I hate him and I want him to spend the rest of his life in prison."

Rossendale MP Janet Anderson has pledged to raise the issue with Home secretary Jacqui Smith. She said: "I don’t think it is fair for him to be discriminated against for something his biological father did, not least because he had no real relationship with him."

A GMP spokesman said: "Criminality involving close family members is clearly an issue that has to be considered. "Applicants whose close family have criminal convictions are not automatically barred from joining GMP. "However, issues including the seriousness of the crime and the relationship between the applicant and the family member are among the considerations before a final decision is made. "We have received a letter of complaint from Mr Tighe and will contact him in due course with the outcome."

Lesley Molseed went missing in October 1975 after running an errand to the shops for her mum. Her body was found on Rishworth Moor having been stabbed 12 times and sexually assaulted. But former taxi driver Castree was able to enjoy life as a free man for more than 30 years after Stefan Kiszko was wrongly convicted of the murder. Mr Kiszko served 16 years in jail before being freed on appeal in 1992 but died, aged 41, in December 1993.

Castree was found guilty after a 12-day trial at Bradford Crown Court last year. He is set to apply for leave to appeal his conviction on 29 July. On the same day he will also fight to reduce the length of his sentence.