THE son of a Winchester woman killed by a hit-and-run driver after his early release from prison has spoken of his desire for answers ahead of an inquiry into the case.

Grandmother Gwen Valentine, 62, of Wavell Way, Stanmore, was mowed down on the Isle of Man last year, just weeks before her wedding.

Island officials have launched an inquiry into how Donovan Kitching, who admitted death by dangerous driving after escaping a police breath test, was allowed out on parole three weeks before the incident.

Gwen's son, Neil, told the Chronicle that questions needed to be asked of the island's probation system.

The 33-year-old, also of Wavell Way, said: "Our primary concern is about the system as it stands in the Isle of Man and whether the checks that were in place were robust enough. Our feeling is that we want that to be looked at.

"We don't, as a family, have an opinion as to whether they were or were not robust enough, but we think that given the situation and events about what happened with his early release being directly linked, obviously, to what happened, that's something that needs to be looked at."

Kitching, 30, is serving a 10-year sentence handed down in October. He also pleaded guilty to driving whilst disqualified, driving with no insurance and possession of amphetamine.

The court heard how moments before the fatal incident, on April 26, Kitching had been stopped by police and failed a breath test but broke free and drove off.

He struck Ms Valentine down as she walked with her fiance and another son on a country road near Tholt-y-Will.

Judge Alastair Montgomerie said at the time that the parole service "had failed both the public and Mr Kitching".

Mr Valentine added: "We're not looking for any kind of personal justice or anything, just that there are questions about the system that need to be asked, and if the [inquiry finds] it was just an isolated case that could have been handled a little better, then fine."

The review is to be led by former legal advisor Geoff Karran and will tackle the incident in detail, as well as examining the island's parole system more broadly. The first hearing is due to begin in Douglas on October 26.

Mr Karran will report to the island's Department of Home Affairs, which has political responsibility for the Prison and Probation Service.

Juan Watterson MHK said: "The department is taking a proactive approach in this matter and is happy to submit itself to scrutiny and to consider any recommendations for change arising from this inquiry. I have no reason to suspect, at this time, that the current procedures were not followed in relation to the release of Donovan Kitching.

"However, when such a tragedy occurs, in my view it is essential to carry out a detailed examination of the facts and to take any action necessary to protect the public. The Department is being as open and transparent as possible and Mr Karran's investigation will discover any changes that may be required."