Relatives of Fenella Hawes have been contacted by officials from the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to warn them that Malcolm Waite could be released from prison under the terms of the Sentencing Act 2026.

The legislation was brought in to ease overcrowding in prison but is proving hugely controversial.

Earlier this week there was outrage when it emerged the killers of PC Andrew Harper, who was dragged by a car when three teens fled the scene of a quad bike theft, could be released early.

Yesterday, Andy Burnham announced a pause of the scheme while a review is carried out.

Fenella Hawes died after being hit by a drunk driver in Stalham in July 2022 (Image: Supplied)

Waite, who is in his early 70s, was jailed for eight years in 2022 for death by dangerous driving after killing Miss Hawes while five times over the drink drive limit.

He veered off the A149, mounting the pavement and hitting her as she walked home from work on the outskirts of Stalham.

Miss Hawes' sister, Rosie Shepherd, 31, said the family had received a phone call from a civil servant and a letter from the MoJ to inform them that Waite could be released early.

Rosie Shepherd (left) and Fenella Hawes (right) (Image: Supplied)

She said: "It very much feels like the wound of the trauma is being reopened again after spending so long trying to rebuild ourselves.

"My mum is not the person she used to be. This has just knocked us all.

"Someone who has killed........

© Eastern Daily Press