Family 'terrified' over killer's move to open prison

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.

- by Charles Brown

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?