Killer who hid wife's body denied prison release by High Court

Glyn Razzell, who was jailed for life for the murder of his wife Linda in 2002, will remain in prison after the High Court overturned a Parole Board decision that would have allowed his release. The ruling came after the Secretary of State for Justice referred the decision to the High Court, a power used when a prisoner's release is believed to undermine public confidence.

Linda Razzell vanished on her way to work in Swindon in March 2002. Her husband, Glyn Razzell, was convicted of her murder the following year. He has consistently refused to reveal where her body is hidden, a fact that continues to cause immense distress to Linda's family. The Parole Board had previously decided that Razzell's imprisonment was "no longer necessary" for public protection, but the High Court disagreed.

Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb stated during the hearing, "I am not persuaded that the risk has diminished to such a level that offender management is capable of keeping the public safe if the defendant is released." Linda's relatives, including her cousin Julie Westmore, expressed fears for their safety and the permanent loss of hope for finding Linda's remains should Razzell be freed.

Linda's daughter, Cat Razzell, who was 13 when her mother was murdered, has previously stated that her father should not be released until he admits his crime and discloses the location of her mother's body. The family desires closure and has no wish for their father to die in prison without revealing this crucial information.

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I am not persuaded that the risk has diminished to such a level that offender management is capable of keeping the public safe if the defendant is released.