A MAN who killed his best friend is bidding to win his freedom from the secure mental health unit where he is being held.

Mark Harrington was 26 when he shot 18-year-old Anthony Rigby, in the back of the head in Blackburn.

In September 2002, Harrington, who lived in St James’ Road, Blackburn, was detained indefinitely after pleading guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

But now a date has been set for a mental health tribunal next month, which could see Harrington released.

Mr Rigby’s mother Carole said the fact that her son’s killer could even apply for release just seven years after the incident was an insult.

Harrington had been released from the mental health ward at Queen’s Park Hospital, Blackburn, in October 2001.

Less than three months later he shot and killed his childhood friend at his home in Swift Close, Larkhill.

Mrs Rigby said the appeal, which follows an aborted attempt at release in Feb-ruary this year where the hearing was adjourned, had caused the family suffering.

She said: “Our Anthony had all of his life in front of him but he was taken away by a murdering monster.

“It is an insult to my family and to Anthony’s mates for him to keep having these appeals. Harrington has had no punishment for taking my son’s life.”

Harrington’s solicitor John O’Donnell said he would be applying for his client’s release at the upcoming hearing.

He said there was a great deal of stigma and misunder-standing attached to mental disorder.

He said: “If a patient in Mark’s position is discharged, it will be because there is no longer a need for detention in order for treatment to keep the patient well.

“Any discharge would be with stringent conditions under medical supervision.”

The panel, consisting of a judge, a mental health expert and a psychiatrist, will hear Harrington’s case.

Police, probation and medical experts who have been treating him will give evidence and Anthony’s family will have their say through a victim statement.