High Court Blocks Parole for Glyn Razzell, Convicted of Wife's Murder

Glyn Razzell, convicted in 2003 for the murder of his wife, Linda Razzell, will remain in prison after High Court judges reversed the Parole Board's decision for his release. The ruling, issued on Friday, stated that the Parole Board's assessment of Razzell's risk to the public was “unreasonable”.

Linda Razzell, a 41-year-old teaching assistant, disappeared in March 2002 while on her way to work in Swindon. Her body has never been found. Razzell maintained his innocence throughout his trial, which heard that he faced financial ruin following his separation from Linda.

The Parole Board had concluded that Razzell met the criteria for release, citing his consistent denial of the murder as a factor that did not necessarily impede his rehabilitation. However, Lord Justice Singh and Mr Justice Jay, presiding over the High Court review, determined that the Parole Board failed to adequately consider the “public protection imperative” in light of Razzell's refusal to disclose the location of his victim's remains. This continued concealment, the judges argued, significantly impacts the assessment of his overall risk.

Razzell was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 16 years, which he completed in 2019. The Justice Secretary subsequently referred the Parole Board's decision to the High Court for review, leading to this latest reversal. Razzell will now be subject to a new parole hearing.