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Gemma Simpson's killer Martin Bell has parole bid rejected
Overview
Martin Bell, who killed 23-year-old Gemma Simpson in 2000 and buried her remains at Brimham Rocks, has had his latest bid for release rejected by the Parole Board. Bell confessed to the killing in 2014 and was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 11 years and 205 days after admitting manslaughter with diminished responsibility. The Parole Board stated it was not satisfied that his release would be safe for the protection of the public.
Key points
- Martin Bell attacked and killed 23-year-old Gemma Simpson in Harrogate in May 2000, later burying her body at Brimham Rocks.
- Gemma Simpson was treated as a missing person until Bell walked into a police station and confessed in 2014.
- Bell was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 11 years and 205 days for manslaughter with diminished responsibility.
- The Parole Board rejected his recent bid for release, stating it was not convinced it was safe for the public.
- Gemma's sister, Naomi Carrack, expressed relief at the decision but voiced ongoing anxiety about the future.