MARIE McCourt says she is "devastated" after discovering her daughter's killer could be moved to an open prison, despite never revealing where her body is buried.

Ian Simms abducted and murdered Helen McCourt in 1988 but has never admitted what he did or disclosed where the 22-year-old's remains are.

Simms, formerly a pub landlord, was convicted by overwhelming DNA evidence of murdering Ms McCourt in Billinge, near Wigan.

As reported by the Star, his application for release from prison was turned down but the Parole Board is recommending he be transferred to an open prison.

Helen's mother Marie said she is angry with the decision and fears she may never be able to give her daughter a proper burial if Simms is let out.

She is campaigning for the law to be changed, denying killers who withhold that information the chance of freedom.

"I am totally, totally devastated by the Parole Board's decision," she said.

"I may not be able to stop this man coming out of prison but I will do my damnedest to make sure that other killers of the same ilk will not come out."

Mrs McCourt, 72, handed in a petition for "Helen's Law", signed by more than 320,000 people on Change.org, at Downing Street on Thursday.

She added: "If they say he can't come out unless he admits it then maybe he will start thinking about telling us where Helen's body is.

"If he is let out without telling us he could be dancing on her grave."

The Parole Board's decision will be considered by the Ministry of Justice, which will have the final say over moving Simms to an open prison.

Mrs McCourt was accompanied by the MP for St Helens North, Conor McGinn, who said she had delivered her case with "characteristic decency and dignity".

Speaking outside No. 10 Downing Street, Mr McGinn said: "Marie made her case with characteristic decency and dignity. She is an extraordinary woman who despite enduring the most awful suffering is dedicated to helping others. The Victims Minister listened carefully and responded positively."

Mr McGinn said that his priority was to ensure that the Secretary of State for Justice was informed of all the facts around the case before making the final decision about whether her murderer is to be transferred to an open prison.

He added: "I also welcome the fact that the Prisons Minister has responded to the overwhelming public support for our campaign to introduce Helen's Law, and has asked the parole board to review the guidelines around convicted murderers who refuse to reveal the location of their victims' remains.

"I want to see immediate progress on this and I will be keeping the pressure on the Government so that victims and their families get the justice they deserve."