Kenny Richey tells brother to learn from his mistakes after jail

Published on Tuesday 13 April 2010 09:48

FREED Death Row Scot Kenny Richey has said he hopes his brother Tom will learn from his mistakes when he is released from prison.

Tom, who was sentenced to 65 years in prison in the United States for murdering one man and assaulting another while high on the drug LSD, is to be freed after 23 years behind bars.

Speaking to the Evening News from his family home in Minnesota, Kenny said: "I think it'll be hard for Tom when he gets out, just like it was for me. But it might be a bit easier for him because I've already been through it. He's seen the mistakes I made so hopefully he won't do the same. He'll learn from my experiences."

Tom, 42, plans to return to Edinburgh within 60 days after exploiting a legal loophole based on the fact the wording of one of the charges against him was incorrect, it was reported today.

A spokeswoman for Washington State Supreme Court confirmed the ruling but added that "the matter has still to be finalised".

Kenny, who spent 21 years on Death Row before being released, added: "It's fantastic news that Tom is getting out after 23 years. It's been too long already and he deserves to be free.

"When you get out after 23 years, or 21 in my case, you want to recapture what you've lost, and live all those days you've missed out on. But I fell in with the wrong people and was too trusting. Tom saw what happened so I don't think he'll do the same thing."

The former US Marine, who has a history of heart problems, admitted he hasn't spoken to Tom since he got out of prison.

"He's not been able to call me because of the phone system they have, and he doesn't have the money," Kenny said. "I've sent him letters, but probably not as many as I should have done. I'm hoping I might get to speak to him over the next few days.

"I've not spoken to my mum about it, but she'll be really happy. The three of us just need to get together for a cuddle and some crying."

Kenny said he has been informed that Tom will be released from Washington State jail in 53 days, and he plans to invite him to stay at his house for as long as he wants to, pointing out that his brother will "need time to adjust to life again".

Kenny returned to the US in April last year to be with their father Jim, who died after a long battle with prostate cancer.

He said: "It's been difficult to have a relationship as brothers. I'm hoping that when he comes out we can catch up and change that. We just want to be a family again.

"It's unfortunate that dad died before Tom got out. It would've been great for the three of us to be together before he passed away, but it wasn't to be."