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High Court Hears Challenge to Parole of Man Convicted of 2003 Murder

The Ministry of Justice argues licence conditions cannot fully control risk or secure closure because the killer has not revealed where the victim’s remains are.

Overview

  • The High Court in London is hearing the MoJ’s referral of a Parole Board decision to free Glyn Razzell, with the two-day hearing due to conclude on Tuesday.
  • The Ministry of Justice told the court that Razzell is deceitful, that proposed licence conditions cannot fully address the risks he poses, and that his release would undermine public confidence.
  • Family members gave impact statements saying release without disclosure would destroy hope of finding Linda Razzell’s body and leave them feeling unsafe, and they cited Helen’s Law in their plea.
  • The Parole Board approved Razzell’s release in April after finding he posed a ‘very significant’ but not imminent risk, that professionals supported his move to open conditions, and that he was motivated not to return to custody.
  • The judge must now decide whether the court is satisfied that continued imprisonment is unnecessary to protect the public, a legal test the MoJ says the Parole Board failed to meet in weighing denial, risk and non‑disclosure.