Michael Steele, a convicted triple killer involved in the notorious 'Essex Boys' case, has been released from prison after serving 23 years of his life sentence, which he received in 1998 for the murders of Tony Tucker, Pat Tate, and Craig Rolfe.

The three victims were found shot dead in a Range Rover in Rettendon, Essex, in 1995, following a dispute over a drug deal, a case that inspired the 2000 film 'Essex Boys' starring Sean Bean.

Steele's co-defendant, Jack Whomes, was released in 2021 after serving a similar sentence for the same murders.

The Ministry of Justice confirmed that Steele's release followed a thorough risk assessment conducted by the independent Parole Board, which acknowledged improvements in his behavior during imprisonment.

Despite recognizing Steele's behavioral improvements, the Parole Board noted that he had not participated in formal risk-reduction interventions due to his maintained innocence.

As part of his release, Steele will be subject to life on licence, which includes strict conditions such as restrictions on using electronic technology, contacting the media, and owning any boats, planes, or firearms.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has challenged the Parole Board's decision, labeling it as legally irrational and requesting a review of the case.

The government has expressed sympathy for the families of the victims, emphasizing that the decision to release Steele was made with careful consideration of the risks involved.

The murders that led to Steele's conviction were reportedly motivated by a dispute over a drug deal, highlighting the violent underbelly of the drug trade in Essex.

Steele's release followed a second review by the Parole Board after he completed his minimum term, reflecting the complexities surrounding parole decisions in high-profile criminal cases.