FAMILY OF MURDERED WOMAN FEARS PAROLE WILL LEAD TO KILLER’S RELEASE
Martin Bell, 55, who was convicted of the manslaughter of Gemma Simpson, is scheduled to appear before the Parole Board, which is currently reviewing his eligibility for transfer to an open prison.Bell was given a life sentence at Leeds Crown Court in 2014 after he murdered 23-year-old Gemma Simpson in 2000.
The court sentenced him to a minimum of 12 years.
Simpson's family, especially her sister Naomi Carrack, expressed fears that the upcoming parole hearing, set for Tuesday, signals Bell's possible release in 2026.
Carrack vehemently opposes Bell’s move to an open prison, stating, “There’s not gonna be any justice.
It’s absolutely shocking that somebody capable of such monstrosity is allowed to regain his freedom.” She described the details of her sister’s murder, revealing that Bell killed her with a hammer and a knife, then sawed off her legs before burying her at a location near Harrogate in North Yorkshire.
Bell admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
Her family fears that Bell will be out soon, emphasizing that the system has failed, noting that Bell has served only about ten years of his sentence while his sister's family suffered for over a decade.
They believe Bell remains a danger to the public due to his mental health and lifelong personality disorder, which they feel is unlikely to be effectively treated.
The family has requested that Bell be kept in highly secure conditions to prevent potential harm, citing concerns about his mental health and risk of further violence.
After Bell’s sentencing, Simpson’s father, Glenn, who has since passed away, voiced his disgust over the leniency of the sentence, feeling the family’s suffering has lasted longer than Bell’s incarceration.
Public and charitable voices have raised questions about the safety of releasing violent offenders like Bell, suggesting the process lacks transparency and puts the public at risk.
