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Lennon killer denied parole

On Tuesday morning he was interviewed for 50 minutes by three parole board members at the maximum security Attica state prison. It was Chapman's first application for parole.

About four hours later he was handed the board's one-page ruling, beginning with the statement: "Parole is denied".

It went on to note that Chapman's killing of the former Beatle was a "calculated and unprovoked" attack on one of the world's most famous musicians, who was also a "husband and a father of two young children".

"Your most vicious and violent act was apparently fuelled by your need to be acknowledged," the ruling said.

"During your parole hearing, this panel noted your continued interest in maintaining your notoriety."

It concluded that releasing Chapman, who is now aged 45, would "deprecate the seriousness of the crime and serve to undermine respect for the law".

'No danger'

Chapman had argued that he was no longer a danger to society and had overcome the psychological problems which led him to shoot the ex-Beatle.

Legal experts say it is extremely rare that anyone convicted of committing a violent crime is ever released on their initial parole hearing.

Lawyer Robert Gangi of the Correctional Association of New York said he thought it unlikely Chapman would ever be freed.

"The fact that it was John Lennon... eliminates any hope for even a slim chance for Chapman being released," he said. "The parole board is not going to risk the political heat by releasing Chapman."

'Vision of hope'

In coming to their decision the parole board also heard by letter from Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono, who was with him when he was shot, that she would not feel safe if Chapman were released.

Under New York State law Chapman will be eligible for a second parole hearing in 2002.