Doctor killer's release blocked at 11th hour

THE release of a Teesside killer has been blocked.

- By POPPY KENNEDY

Reginald Wilson was set to be released from prison this week having served 34 years behind bars for the horrific murder of esteemed consultant and father-of-three, David Birkett.

In 1990, Wilson, who has changed his surname to Zenshen, bludgeoned the doctor to death and went on to taunt police, penning a note about his plot to "kill as many pigs as I can".

Detectives found Wilson's hideaway in an abandoned house in Union Street.

Following a Parole Board review in October of this year, the killer was deemed fit for release.

The Secretary of State for Justice, David Lammy, who opposed the move at the parole review, had until Tuesday to challenge it.

It's understood a reconsideration application was made on Tuesday, meaning the decision will go back to the Parole Board. Applications are usually dealt with in 28 days. If the application is refused, Wilson will be released, but, if it's granted, a fresh hearing will take place.

In 2022, the Parole Board recommended Wilson be transferred to an open prison but it was blocked by the Secretary of State at the time, Dominic Raab.

Wilson made an application for judicial review, the High Court ruled Mr Raab's decision was unlawful and the killer was transferred to an open prison in November 2023.

His fourth review was heard on October 21 this year.

At the hearing, the panel took evidence from Wilson's probation officer, the official supervising his case and a prison service psychologist. They all recommended to the panel that Wilson should now be released on life licence.

Dr Birkett was an eminent consultant dermatologist who lived on Cornfield Road in Linthorpe.

Wilson, then aged 25, had been living at Riverdale Court in Whinney Banks.