Justice Secretary David Lammy has taken the extraordinary step of blocking the planned release of a notorious hammer killer, arguing the Parole Board's decision to grant him freedom was "irrational".
Last-Minute Intervention Halts Release
The Secretary of State for Justice personally intervened to challenge the Parole Board's direction to release Reginald Wilson, now known as Reginald Zenshen. Mr Lammy formally warned the board that its decision was flawed due to "insufficient testing in the community" for the inmate, who has spent decades behind bars for a horrific murder.
Lammy's submission detailed Wilson's long history of offending, which began in his youth. This includes a conviction for arson in a juvenile court in 1979. By June 1985, he was sentenced to four years in youth custody for a catalogue of crimes including attempted burglary, wounding with intent, unlawful wounding, and burglary.
A Chilling Crime and a Life Sentence
Wilson was 26 years old when he was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of respected consultant and father-of-three, David Birkett, in 1991. The brutal hammer attack was described by senior judges as "appalling". At the time of his conviction, experts diagnosed Wilson with an "untreatable psychopathic disorder".
His original minimum tariff was set at 30 years, which expired in 2021. After being transferred to an open prison in November 2023, a Parole Board panel reviewed his case last year and deemed him suitable for release on life licence. The panel heard that Wilson had made "good progress" in open conditions and that "no significant concerns" had been raised by professionals.
Concerns Over Risk and 'Problematic Traits'
However, the Justice Secretary's intervention paints a different picture. Lammy noted that Wilson spent much of his sentence in high-security and segregation environments. He argued this meant there had been "insufficient testing in community-based settings" and "limited exposure to stressors which may activate his identified areas of risk and problematic personality traits".
The Ministry of Justice stated: "This was a heinous crime, and our thoughts are with the friends and family of David Birkett. We have asked the Parole Board to revisit its decision after new information came to light."
Wilson's violent past extended beyond his main crime. In 1996, he attempted to escape from Frankland Prison in Durham, and the following year he tried to stab a prison officer. This led to his placement in an exceptional risk unit. A police officer involved in the original murder case has previously stated a belief that Wilson would kill again if released.
The Parole Board has confirmed receipt of the application to set aside its decision. A spokesperson said a member would review the case and decide whether to grant a fresh review. If the application is refused, written reasons will be published.
