THE grieving family of manslaughter victim Michael Williams expect a decision next month on whether his killer should be banned from York.

They have made an impassioned plea for the Safer York Partnership to support them in their campaign for a ban.

The Press reported in February how Steven Stone was set to be released from jail in September, after serving a sentence for the manslaughter of Mr Williams in a street attack in Chapelfields, York, early last year.

Relatives called for him to be excluded from the city as part of the terms of his licence, saying they wanted to avoid the trauma of meeting him in the street when he is freed.

Michael's partner, Tara Gondzik, told of her fears that their children, Shannon, four, and Lennon, three, might come across Stone if he was released back into the community.

"I just don't want them meeting their daddy's killer in the street," she said.

Now Michael's brother, Paul, said he understood a risk assessment meeting would take place next month and, while family members would not be allowed to attend, they would be able to present their arguments in writing.

He revealed he had written to Safer York to seek its support for the ban, claiming the family had been treated with contempt in court and had been let down at every turn.

"Our plan is this... we aim to have Steven Stone banned from York on his release," he said in the letter. "My view is that if stupid little idiots who cause trouble can be banned from York on an ASBO, then surely a convicted killer can be.

"York is a very small city and the chances of Mike's family and friends bumping into this lunatic are very high. We want this one thing, this one victory. He was of no fixed abode when he was sentenced. Get him out of this city before he does it to someone else - at least while he has 18 months licence to serve. I plead with you, please, please, please back us and support us in this one thing we would like."

Paul said a victim liaison officer had been appointed by North Yorkshire probation service to make contact with the family to listen to their concerns.

He said Robert Lawman, of the Home Office's public inquiries team, who has policy responsibility for the probation service's statutory duty to work with the victims of crime, had written to say he was sorry to read of the family's experiences, and the devastating effect these had had.

Jane Mowat, of Safer York Partnership, said: "We will not get involved in any personal campaigns in respect of individual cases of perceived injustice."


Michael Williams attack

* February 17, 2006: Michael Williams is attacked in the street in Chapelfields.

* February 27: Steven Stone appears in court, charged with injuring Mr Williams with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

* April 20: Stone faces new charge of murdering Michael Williams.

* August 19: Stone jailed for three years after admitting manslaughter and affray, pictured. Court hears Mr Williams fell back and struck head on pavement after being punched.

* August 22: Mr Williams' family press for sentence to be increased - a plea turned down.

* February 22, 2007: Mr Williams' family launch campaign for Stone to be banned from York when released from jail.

* May: Meeting set to decide on terms of Stone's release under licence, says Williams family.

* September: Stone due to be released, says Williams family.