The Justice Secretary has personally intervened to block the potential release of a notorious killer who was told he must 'die in prison' for the brutal hammer murder of a respected doctor.
Parole decision challenged after new information emerges
David Lammy has asked the Parole Board to 'set aside' its decision to approve the release of Reginald Wilson, who has served 34 years for a murder of exceptional violence. The Ministry of Justice confirmed the move, stating new information had come to light, though its details remain confidential.
A spokesperson said: "We have asked the Parole Board to revisit its decision after new information came to light. This was a heinous crime, and our thoughts are with the friends and family of David Birkett."
The Parole Board confirmed it had received the application from the Secretary of State and said a member would review whether the release decision should be overturned. If granted, Wilson's case would face a fresh parole review as a priority.
A crime of 'extreme and gratuitous violence'
Wilson, now 59, was convicted of murdering 56-year-old consultant dermatologist Dr David Birkett on 3 February 1990 in Linthorpe, Middlesbrough. Posing as a motorcycle courier, Wilson tricked his way into the doctor's Cornfield Road home and launched a horrific attack in the hallway.
He struck Dr Birkett about the head with a blunt instrument, believed to be a hammer wrapped in a plastic bag. He then dragged the father-of-three into his study, tied his arms with cord, and inflicted a further 17 blows that crushed his skull. Cleveland Police later described it as one of the most violent attacks the force had ever seen.
The victim's 16-year-old daughter tragically discovered his body. Wilson was caught after forensic teams found his thumbprint at the scene.
A history of psychopathic disorder and prison violence
At his 1991 trial at Durham Crown Court, where he was sentenced to life, Wilson yelled: "You may contain me but you will never control me, understand that." The sentencing judge said he was so dangerous he must die in prison.
Psychiatrists diagnosed an untreatable psychopathic disorder. Wilson, who has the words 'psychopath' and 'chaos' tattooed across his forehead, later stated his motive was to target Dr Birkett to provoke contact with police, whom he wanted to kill. He had compiled a list of officers' names and addresses.
After his arrest, police found a chilling arsenal in his hideout, including a sawn-off shotgun, 90 cartridges, crossbows, and homemade knuckle dusters studded with nails. His prison history includes an escape attempt from Frankland Prison in 1996 and an attempt to stab a prison officer the following year, leading to his placement in a Close Supervision Centre for exceptional risk inmates.
His original minimum tariff was reduced to 18 years on appeal in 2008, horrifying Dr Birkett's family, but was later increased to 30 years following an intervention by the Attorney General. This made him eligible for parole consideration from July 2021.
In its recent review, the Parole Board panel noted Wilson, who now uses the surname Zenshen, had made "good progress" in open prison conditions and raised "no significant concerns," concluding his imprisonment was "no longer necessary for the protection of the public." The Justice Secretary's intervention now casts serious doubt on that conclusion.
