Lennon's killer denied parole

John Lennon's assassin Mark David Chapman has served 29...

14:41 08 September 2010

Mark David Chapman Chapman has been denied parole for a sixth time.

Chapman, who is being held at Attica Correctional Facility in New York State, was convicted of killing 'Imagine' singer/songwriter John Lennon almost thirty years ago.

He will remain imprisoned for at least two more years when he is eligible for his next parole hearing, New York state officials have made clear, following his video interview with a parole panel.

Chapman, who has a history of mental illness, shot the former Beatle in the back four times while he was entering his apartment in New York City in 1980. Lennon had previously signed an autograph for his killer earlier that day.

A written statement by the board acknowledged his relatively clean institutional record, but cited the "disregard" he showed "for the norms of our society and the sanctity of human life" by carefully planning and executing Lennon's murder.

The New York state parole board wrote: "This premeditated, senseless and selfish act of tragic consequence... leads to the conclusion that your discretionary release remains inappropriate at this time and incompatible with the welfare of the community."

The former maintanance man, who is still serving a sentence of 20 years to life, has been denied parole every two years since becoming eligible for release in 2000.