Jodi Jones’s murderer Luke Mitchell pictured in cuffs as he’s released from prison to attend mum’s funeral

EVIL murderer Luke Mitchell was let out of jail to attend his mum’s funeral chained to a prison guard. The blade fiend, 36, caged for life for slaying his 14-year-old girlfriend Jodi Jones in 2003, embraced supporters as he arrived from high-security Shotts nick to say farewell to mother Corinne, 66. Luke Mitchell was let out of jail to attend his mum’s funeral Credit: Tom Farmer – The Sun Glasgow He attended the service at Edinburgh’s Mortonhall Crematorium handcuffed to a prison guard Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk Her passing was kept a closely-guarded secret amid fears it could have scuppered the killer’s chance to be at her funeral at Edinburgh’s Mortonhall Crematorium. It’s thought to be the first time in over a decade Mitchell – who was refused parole in 2024 – has been pictured in public. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! He was comforted by partner Gemma Chapman as a prison guard held him in handcuffs. Balding and bearded Mitchell walked with his head down as he exited the small Pentland chapel with around a dozen mourners at around midday. There was nothing on the daily list pinned on the wall to indicate who was being laid to rest during the 45-minute ceremony which was described as a “private service”. Dressed in a black T-shirt and jeans, Mitchell shuffled mournfully, clutching an order of service as he followed Gemma – wearing a leather jacket and blue jeans – outside into the sunlight. Gemma, with a blonde streak in her long dark hair, walked beside a female prison officer with Luke a few steps behind before she turned to face her infamous fella. They embraced and held each other for a lingering cuddle, knowing he would soon be back in his jail cell. Most read in The Sun It is thought to be the first time in over a decade Mitchell has been seen in public Credit: Tom Farmer – The Sun Glasgow He was caged for life for the 2003 of his girlfriend Jodi Jones Credit: PA:Press Association Luke Mitchell with his mum Corinne Credit: Andrew Barr – The Sun Glasgow Mitchell’s mother Corinne and others have campaigned for more than 20 years to have him released Credit: PA:Press Association An onlooker said: “I had no idea it was Luke Mitchell until I spotted the prison guard and handcuffs. “What he did to poor Jodi was horrific and who knows if he’ll ever see freedom again. “When he got jailed he was just a teenager and he looks very different today with that baldy head and beard. “He spent a good while hugging a dark-haired woman and other mourners. “He looked sorry for himself when he was being taken back to a blacked-out people carrier by the prison officers.” Earlier in the day Corinne’s coffin travelled alone from a nearby funeral home in a black horse and carriage, with nothing to reveal her identity to onlookers. White lillies were placed inside the carriage and a discreet floral tribute at the foot of her casket simply said ‘mum’. Other supporters – who remain convinced Mitchell didn’t murder his teen girlfriend Jodi – were also seen offering their condolences. Corinne’s coffin travelled alone from a nearby funeral home in a black horse and carriage Credit: Alan MacGregor Ewing Jodi’s killing was described as “a truly evil murder” Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd The lane behind Newbattle High School in Dalkeith where Jodi Jones’ body was found Credit: John Kirkby – The Sun Glasgow Following a ten-month police inquiry, Mitchell was accused of her murder and was 16 when he was convicted at the High Court in Edinburgh in 2005 Credit: PA:Press Association Some wore badges pledging support for the campaign to have Mitchell liberated with one older lady seen wrapping her arms around the killer. Within an hour of Mitchell being hauled back to Shotts jail his backers posted a message on social media revealing Corine had died. It read: “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Corinne Mitchell passed away on July 9, 2026. “Corinne was laid to rest following a private service surrounded by the people who love her. “Many of you came to know of Corinne through her unwavering love and support for her son, Luke. “Those who knew Corinne also knew that she was a devoted mother who loved both of her sons beyond measure. “Despite her own health challenges, she remained determined, resilient and full of strength. “Her humour, kindness and unwavering spirit touched the lives of so many. “Although Corinne is no longer with us, her spirit will remain.” They added: “Her determination to see justice done will not be forgotten.” Sick Mitchell was just was 14 when he stabbed Jodi to death in woods near her home in 2003. He was later sentenced to serve a minimum term of 20 years before being eligible for parole. He had been dating Jodi for four months when he killed her in what judge Lord Nimmo Smith later described as “a truly evil murder”. Mitchell claimed to have been alerted to her body by his dog while out looking for her. Jodi was discovered with her hands tied behind her back, her throat cut and her body repeatedly slashed. Following a ten-month police inquiry, Mitchell was accused of her murder and was 16 when he was convicted at the High Court in Edinburgh in 2005. He has lost multiple appeals but has attracted a significant following of online supporters convinced of his innocence since a TV documentary was aired in 2021. Mitchell’s mother Corinne and others have campaigned for more than 20 years to have the killer released. In their statement, the campaign group added: “Finally, to Luke, we hope you know that you are not alone. “There are many people who continue to stand beside you, and who will honour your mother’s memory by continuing to seek the truth. May Corinne rest in peace.” We told in March last year Mitchell and Gemma got engaged behind bars. According to a report at the time it was claimed she had been campaigning for Mitchell’s release for the past 20 years. She insists he was wrongly accused and says he is “kind, caring and loving”. A source told a newspaper that Mitchell popped the question in November, 2024, after he was returned to high-security Shotts jail in Lanarkshire when he failed two random drug tests at HMP Greenock. They said at the time: “He asked the prison permission and did it. “His parole condition, if he got it, would only permit him to be with named women.” Mitchell was earlier denied parole after a psychiatric report concluded he was a “sexual risk” to women. He claimed his dog led him to Jodi’s body in woods in Dalkeith. Her hands were tied behind her back and her throat was cut. Prosecutors told Mitchell’s 2005 trial he was obsessed with Satanism. Mitchell, then 16, was convicted in what judge Lord Nimmo Smith called “a truly evil murder”.