Reginald Wilson, 61, bludgeoned dad-of-three David Birkett to death but will now be released from jail
A twisted killer who was deemed to have an “untreatable psychopathic disorder” is set to walk free, sparking fresh warnings to a parole board.
Reginald Wilson, 61, who switched his surname to Zenshen, bludgeoned father-of-three David Birkett to death, in Middlesbrough in 1990. Despite two Government attempts to prevent his release, the Parole Board denied the requests.
However, the decision has triggered further backlash, with MP for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East, Andy McDonald, slamming the outcome. The MP said: “I am extremely concerned about this decision of the Parole Board. Whilst recognising their independence, I am fearful that they have made a grave mistake.
Teen brutally attacked by masked gang of 14 on way to McDonald’s
Mum says ‘monster’ who butchered son ‘won’t say where head is’
“I have expressed my concerns formally when this matter was raised previously, and having spoken to the family of Dr Birkett, I remain of the view that Reginald Wilson, or Zenshen, should not be released.” The Secretary of State for Justice, Damid Lammy, had opposed the move and asked for the Parole Board decision to be reconsidered which was refused.
Shortly after, he requested the decision be set aside, when new information of Wilson stealing while in open prison conditions, came to light. The judicial member of the Parole Board said Wilson subsequently had privileges removed and permission to spend time outside the prison was temporarily suspended. But he maintained this offending did not indicate an increase in his risk of causing harm and the set aside application was refused.
Wilson, who has served more than 34 years for the twisted murder, has been in open prison conditions since November 2023. Speaking on Thursday, Mr McDonald said he has discussed with Mr Lammy whether any further steps to block the release are available. He said: “Minister Lammy quite rightly challenged the original Parole Board decision and I am urgently investigating what further steps if any can be taken but given the independence of the Parole Board I concede that this is going to be extremely difficult to progress.”
Wilson bludgeoned Dr Birkett to death on February 3, 1990. Cleveland Police said at the time it was the most violent attack the force had ever investigated. The body of Dr Birkett, who was killed in his home on Cornfield Road in Linthorpe, was discovered by his own daughter, reports Teesside Live.
It was thought the killer, who was 26 at the time, targeted the consultant – an innocent stranger to him – with an aim of coming into contact with police officers. Before being caught, he mocked police with a note detailing his intention to “kill as many pigs as I can” amd he had drawn up a list of names of police officers and their addresses.
In 1991, he was sentenced to life imprisonment with the judge at Durham Crown Court declaring him so dangerous that he must die in prison. Experts at the time said Wilson was a man who “killed for the hell of it” and “would kill and kill again”. Following his last review, the Parole Board said Wilson had made “good progress” in open prison conditions and “no significant concerns” had been raised.
The summary decision of the Parole Board stated: “After considering the circumstances of his offending, the progress made while in custody and the evidence presented at the hearing, the panel was satisfied that imprisonment was no longer necessary for the protection of the public.”
The parole board is independent from the Ministry of Justice. The Mirror has contacted the Ministry of Justice for comment.
