Swindon murderer refused parole under ‘Helen’s Law’ as wife’s body was never found

A Swindon killer who murdered his wife has been refused parole under ‘Helen’s Law’.

Glyn Razzell, 62, is serving a life sentence for the murder of his 41-year-old wife, mother of four Linda after she disappeared on the way to work in March 2002.

No trace of her body has ever been found, but he was convicted based on bloodstains matching Linda’s DNA being found in the boot of his car.

Advertisement

Razzell has always maintained he did not kill his wife following her disappearance between their home in Alvescot Road, Old Walcot, and then-Swindon College in Victoria Road.

The murderer’s latest application for parole was denied and he appealed the decision, but judge Patrick Thomas rejected his appeal.

He ruled to turn down the killer’s appeal, stating that the involvement of the new Helen’s Law was fair. It stops killers being released if they refuse to reveal where they hid their victim’s body.

Named after insurance clerk Helen McCourt, who vanished on her way home from work in 1988, the law came into force earlier this year.

Judge Thomas said: “I do not consider that the decision was irrational or procedurally unfair and accordingly the application for reconsideration is refused.”

Razzell will now remain in open prison and is eligible for another parole decision in about two years’ time.

Linda’s family welcomed the decision to deny Razzell’s freedom.

In a statement, they said: “The decision to deny Glyn Razzell parole is the right one.

“Our lovely Linda is receiving the justice she deserves and society will be a safer place as a result of the Parole Board’s decision.”

Click here to join our WhatsApp Channel and get breaking news sent directly to your mobile – don’t forget to turn on notifications by clicking the bell icon.

Click a topic to read more stories like this:

Keep Up to Date with the Most Important News

By pressing the Subscribe button, you confirm that you have read and are agreeing to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
Advertisement