Hammer killer to be released despite halt attempt
SuppliedA killer who attacked a doctor with a hammer and plotted to lure police officers to their deaths is to be freed from prison 36 years after his crime.
Reginald Wilson was 25 when he murdered eminent skin specialist Dr David Birkett in his Middlesbrough home in 1990.
Now the Parole Board has confirmed its decision to authorise his release and rejected an attempt by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to stop the move, with an MP warning it might have made a "grave mistake".
Wilson, who has since changed his surname to Zenshen, was convicted in 1991 and ordered to serve at least 30 years.
The Parole Board said the killer "has not demonstrated overt violence against staff or prisoners since 1999 and, during his many years in prison, he has evidenced significant, sustained improvement in behaviour".
The MoJ had challenged the decision to approve the release after it emerged Zenshen had stolen £30 in goods from a shop last month while serving time in an open prison.
SuppliedZenshen struck the 56-year-old doctor 17 times with a hammer.
Police later found a cache of firearms and ammunition at the killer's home and he made threats to kill officers.
Middlesbrough and Thornaby East Labour MP, Andy McDonald, said he was "extremely concerned" at the decision of the Parole Board.
He said: " While recognising their independence, I am fearful that they have made a grave mistake.
"I have expressed my concerns formally when this matter was raised previously and having spoken to the family of Dr Birkett, I remain of the view that Reginald Wilson, or Zenshen, should not be released."
The MP said he was "urgently investigating" if any further steps could be taken but acknowledged that would be "extremely difficult".
The BBC understands the prisoner, who is now 61, is due for release within weeks.
A spokesman for the Ministry of Justice said: "This was a heinous crime, and our thoughts remain with the friends and family of David Birkett.
"We are disappointed with the outcome but respect the independent Parole Board's decision.
"Once released, Reginald Wilson Zenshen will remain on licence for the rest of his life, with strict conditions and intensive probation supervision after he is released. He faces an immediate return to prison if he fails to comply."
