John Lennon’s killer Mark Chapman apologises to Yoko Ono for ‘despicable act’

John Lennon’s killer has apologised to Yoko Ono for murdering the Beatles legend 40 years ago.

Mark Chapman, 65, has said that he shot Lennon outside his New York apartment in 1980 “for the glory” and that he deserved the death penalty for the “despicable act” that he had committed.

Chapman is serving 20 years to life and was denied parole for the 11th time last month, according to a transcript of the hearing that has been released.

His release was denied as officials believed “it would be incompatible with the welfare of society,” after Chapman expressed sorrow for the murder’s “cold-heartedness”.

Chapman said: “I knew it was wrong and I did it for glory. One word, just glory. That’s it. It was that he was famous, extremely famous. That’s why he was at the top of the list.”

Chapman told officials: “I just want to reiterate that I’m sorry for my crime. I have no excuse. This was for self-glory.

“I think it’s the worst crime that there could be to do something to someone that’s innocent.

“He was extremely famous. I didn’t kill him because of his character or the kind of man he was.

“He was a family man. He was an icon. I assassinated him… because he was very, very, very famous and that’s the only reason and I was very, very, very, very much seeking self-glory, very selfish.

“I want to add that and emphasise that greatly. It was an extremely selfish act. I’m sorry for the pain that I caused to her [Ono]. I think about it all of the time.”

Chapman now describes himself as a “devoted Christian” and is deeply religious.

He reportedly wakes at 6.30am every day to work as a porter and clerk in the block he lives in.

He lives separate from the rest of the prison for his own protection, the transcript says.

The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision board said in its decision that they found a claim he made that “infamy brings you glory” disturbing.

It commended his “personal growth and productive use of time” but said his “selfish actions stole the chance for future fans to experience the words of inspiration that this artist provide for millions of people”.

“Your violent act caused devastation to not only family and former band members, but the world,” it added.

Chapman is next eligible for parole in two years.

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