A man who murdered four people at a New Forest mansion has died - 16 months after being told he must stay in prison.

George Stephenson, 73, was jailed for life in 1987 after being found guilty of taking part in a massacre at Burgate House, near Fordingbridge.

Stephenson, the victims' former handyman, was also convicted of rape and robbery.

In December 2023 his application for parole was thrown out after a panel ruled that he was still too dangerous to be released.

Now, the Prison Service has confirmed that Stephenson has died in hospital.

George Stephenson, who murdered four people at a New Forest mansion in 1987, has died without regaining his freedomGeorge Stephenson, who murdered four people at a New Forest mansion in 1987, has died without regaining his freedom (Image: Duncan Lee)

Melissa Cleaver, whose parents and grandparents were among his victims, said she had experienced a raft of emotions since learning of his death.

READ MORE: New Forest murderer George Stephenson loses parole bid

She told the Daily Mirror that she initially felt elated but added: "This was quickly replaced with regret that so many friends and family who have since passed away aren’t here to witness Stephenson’s death and share my relief that he will never be released.

"Surprisingly, though, as the news began to fully sink in, I was taken over by an overwhelming sadness and grief as if I was right back in the wake of that dreadful night that I lost my parents and grandparents.

"Today, I just feel numb. I can see that this is not going to be the 'end' that I had expected and I believe that it’ll take time before I can begin what I hope will eventually be a healing process."

The Cleaver family were holding a dinner party at Burgate House when Stephenson and his two accomplices burst into the houseThe Cleaver family were holding a dinner party at Burgate House when Stephenson and his two accomplices burst into the house (Image: Supplied)

Following the Parole Board hearing, Ms Cleaver expressed her relief that Stephenson's bid to be released had been rejected.

"My mother endured a sadistic, brutal gang rape and indescribable torture before finally being strangled to death," she said.

"My father and grandparents were bound, gagged, doused in petrol and set alight, still alive and conscious.

“My father dragged himself into an adjacent bathroom in a vain attempt to escape. Our beautiful dog was clubbed with a pickaxe so violently that she had to be put down."

Joseph Cleaver, 82, and his disabled wife Hilda were among the victimsJoseph Cleaver, 82, and his disabled wife Hilda were among the victims (Image: Supplied)

Winchester Crown Court heard how Stephenson killed Joseph Cleaver and his disabled wife Hilda, both aged 82, their son Tom, 47, and the family's live-in nurse, 70-year-old Margaret Murphy.

READ MORE: Victims' family express their relief at George Stephenson parole decision

It happened after he and his two accomplices, brothers John and George Daly, went to Burgate House to steal shotguns.

John Daly was convicted of murdering the fifth victim - Tom Cleaver’s 46-year-old wife Wendy.

Passing sentence, the judge told Stephenson that he should spend at least 25 years behind bars, adding: "You showed no mercy and deserve none."

The Prison Service confirmed that Stephenson died on April 20. The cause of death has not been released.