A father and son who tried to help a killer escape justice will be freed within weeks.

John and Gary Redman were jailed in May for two years for perverting the course of justice but will be released in October and November respectively.

Edward Redman killed Jay Whiston at a house party in Colchester in September 2012.

His father Gary Redman, a former Halstead-based company owner, of Halstead Road, Eight Ash Green, and brother John, of High Street, Halstead, had destroyed evidence to try and cover up the murder.

They will be tagged upon their release.

Jay’s family were told about their early release during a meeting with the probation service last week.

* Full story in this week's Gazette.