A PROSTITUTE-killer on the brink of release from jail blew her chance of freedom when she was caught stashing heroin in her York cell.

Rosina Outram was being lined up for parole after serving 16 years of a life sentence for the torture and murder of a young prostitute.

But after prison officers discovered 14 wraps of the Class A drug hidden in her cell at Askham Grange open prison, the 54-year-old is now facing another year behind bars.

The Recorder Of York Stephen Ashurst told Outram: “Had it not been for this offence it is likely you would have been released this year.

“But you succumbed to temptation when you stored drugs in your cell and this was a huge setback for you.”

Outram had served the majority of her sentence at the Derbyshire-based closed female prison Foston Hall, for the murder of 20-year-old Kathleen Charlotte Brough – but was transferred to Askham Grange in April ahead of her imminent release.

Defence Nigel Hamilton said Outram had suffered a “catastrophic” personal trauma two weeks prior to her transfer after her best friend and fellow inmate committed suicide.

He told the court that Outram felt lonely and bereft when she was transferred and in attempt to forge new friendships she agreed to stash 2oz of heroin – with a street value of about £140 – for a fellow inmate.

Judge Ashurst told Outram her actions were a “severe mistake” that would hinder any future chance of patrol.

“You are serving a life sentence for a murder you committed many years ago,” he said.

“I have read a full report of your sentence and the way you sought to rehabilitate yourself.

“You were moved to the Askham Grange with a view of parole, however you were found with heroin in your possession.

“I don’t think you realised the severity of committing a drug offence whilst serving a prison sentence – it is one that can only merit a sentence of imprisonment.

“This has been a drastic knock back for you and one that will affect any future parole.”

Outram was handed a 12-month jail term at her sentencing at York Crown Court on Tuesday.

She was found guilty of murder in 1993, together with co-defendant Sandra Ann Butcher.

The motive behind the brutal killing of Doncaster prostitute Kathleen Brough, a worker at a massage parlour run by Outram, was never made clear. The pair assaulted the prostitute and strangled her – later dumping her tortured body in a skip.

A High Court judge later described the murder as “a cold-blooded, calculated, callous, sustained and vicious assault on a young victim who was virtually tortured to death”.