Lennon's killer fails in bid for freedom

John Lennon's killer has failed in his bid for release from prison.

A parole board decided Mark Chapman must stay behind bars following an emotional appeal by the murdered star's sister. Julia Baird said she feared "somebody will try to kill" Chapman if he was freed.

Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono, also objected to his release, saying it would "bring back the nightmare".

Obsessed loner Chapman shot 40-year-old Lennon in New York in December 1980.

Now balding and overweight, the 49-year-old is serving life at a maximumsecurity prison and has twice been refused parole before.

He made a 29-minute appearance in front of a threemember panel. In a written decision, the parole board told Chapman: "Your course of conduct over a lengthy period of time shows a clear lack of respect for life."

It added that his "positive disciplinary record" had been taken into account. Chapman had been entitled to apply for parole after serving 20 years. He will be eligible to try again in 2006.