A killer who handcuffed his ex-girlfriend to a bed before savagely hacking away at her until she died could be released next year.

David Ferguson was jailed in 2000 for the attack on mother-of-two Susan Kent, 33, which he acted out as part of a rape fantasy, the year before.

The now 53-year-old, formerly of Port Rise, Chatham, met Mrs Kent at the Casino Rooms, Rochester, in 1998, before killing her at her home in Birch Grove, Hempstead.

Ferguson, who was labelled a “sex monster” by the judge, has always maintained his innocence and is currently serving a minimum term of 20 years at Wakefield prison.

The former print worker is set to face a second parole hearing in January, the parole board has confirmed.

He hit headlines back in 2015 for marrying new girlfriend Carol Nash, as well as as being investigated by the Ministry of Justice for an online blog he wrote bragging about his love life.

Ferugson has been known to complain about the prison facilities, including cold showers, which were making him miserable.

His rants and annoyances are set to be referenced in prison documentation submitted to a three person parole panel which will consider whether he can be released on licence or moved to an open jail.

A Parole Board spokesman said: “An oral hearing has been listed for the parole review of David Ferguson and is scheduled to take place in January 2024.

“Parole board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community.

“A panel will carefully examine a huge range of evidence, including details of the original crime, and any evidence of behaviour change, as well as explore the harm done and impact the crime has had on the victims.

“Members read and digest hundreds of pages of evidence and reports in the lead up to an oral hearing.

“Evidence from witnesses including probation officers, psychiatrists and psychologists, officials supervising the offender in prison as well as victim personal statements are then given at the hearing.

“The prisoner and witnesses are then questioned at length during the hearing which often lasts a full day or more.

“Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority.”

Mrs Kent, a school dinner lady and part-time childminder, was found by her mother-in-law, Iris, semi-naked in her bedroom.

Iris Kent had been tipped off by a head teacher when Susan failed to pick up her eight-year-old daughter Jessica from school and it was she who went to the house and made the grim discovery.

The dinner lady and part-time childminder was found handcuffed on the bed, her body covered in blood.

Her throat had been slashed and she had multiple stab wounds to her chest. Prosecutors at the time said she had also been sexual assaulted.

During his trial, it emerged Ferguson had a sordid interest in bondage and rape, and had the words “Murderous Intent” tattooed on his back.

He had even discussed on the internet setting up a UK Rape Club, where female victims would wear badges to identify themselves.

A prison psychologist’s report found “evidence of sado-masochistic sexual activity in his [Ferguson’s] life generally, including the use of threats and weapons. Deviant sexual arousal such as this is notoriously difficult to change”.

In two reviews of his detention held since he was jailed, prison boards found that Ferguson is “highly dangerous” and should be kept in as a top security “Category A” prisoner.

The judge said he should serve 20 years before parole is even considered.