Try GOLD - Free
Family 'terrified' over killer's move to open prison
Yorkshire Evening Post
|June 28, 2025
The family of a Leeds woman who was brutally killed and dismembered by a taxi driver who left her body hidden for more than a decade have said they feel "terrified for ourselves and others" after the Parole Board recommended he is moved to an open prison.
Martin Bell, 55, was given a life sentence at Leeds Crown Court in 2014 and ordered to serve a minimum of 12 years in prison for the manslaughter of Gemma Simpson, who disappeared in May 2000.
On Thursday, the Parole Board said a panel had recommended his "placement in open conditions".
Miss Simpson's sisters, Krista Simpson and Naomi Carrack, who believe the move from a Category C to an open prison is just a prelude to him being released in 2026, criticised the panel's decision saying they want "justice for Gemma".
They said: "Why is he even allowed to apply for parole when us and Gemma were kept prisoner for over 14 years?
This story is from the June 28, 2025 edition of Yorkshire Evening Post.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Yorkshire Evening Post
Yorkshire Evening Post
Ploughing on regardless
What a good read Geoffrey Brooking gave us recently.
1 mins
December 12, 2025
Yorkshire Evening Post
Mental health lifeline for older people
Armley-based Paisley Lodge Care
1 mins
December 12, 2025
Yorkshire Evening Post
Leeds need to keep the momentum going at Brentford
Our panelists preview United's trip to the Bees
1 min
December 12, 2025
Yorkshire Evening Post
Brendan on 'turning Japanese' for new film role
The Mummy star Brendan Fraser is in town promoting is latest movie Rental Family.
1 min
December 12, 2025
Yorkshire Evening Post
Indianapolis Colts sign Rivers out of retirement
Philip Rivers has come out of retirement to rejoin the Indianapolis Colts, five years after the 44-year-old last played in the NFL.
1 min
December 12, 2025
Yorkshire Evening Post
Brazilian biker riding erratically in the city centre was drug-dealing illegal immigrant
A biker spotted by police riding erratically through Leeds city centre was found to be dealing cocaine.
1 mins
December 12, 2025
Yorkshire Evening Post
Drug dealer led police on dangerous two-mile chase
A drug dealer was desperate to flee police who later found more than a quarter-of-a-kilogramme of cocaine stashed at his home.
1 min
December 12, 2025
Yorkshire Evening Post
Legend Strachan has absolute faith in Farke and his players
Gordon Strachan has made a confident Leeds United prediction with backing for a key Whites figure and Scotland example.
1 min
December 12, 2025
Yorkshire Evening Post
WTA signs 'significant deal' with Mercedes
The Women's Tennis Association has announced a long-term partnership with Mercedes-Benz which has the potential to be the largest in women's sport.
1 min
December 12, 2025
Yorkshire Evening Post
Pruning time if conditions permit
When the weather permits, pruning is on the agenda for outdoors but there is no panic for roses or fruit-bearing subjects.
1 min
December 12, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size