John Lennon killer denied parole

John Lennon's killer has been denied parole for the seventh time.

Mark David Chapman shot and killed the former Beatle in 1980 and is currently serving a sentence of 20 years to life at the Attica Correctional Facility outside Buffalo in New York State.

In a written statement the state's Department of Corrections acknowledged Chapman's "good conduct, program achievements and educational accomplishments".

But the three-member parole board argued that this wasn't enough to justify the release for the 57-year-old.

It said this "would greatly undermine respect for the law and tend to trivialize the tragic loss of life" Chapman caused through a "heinous, unprovoked, violent, cold and calculated crime."

Chapman was last denied parole in 2010.

He shot Lennon four times in the back outside the musician's New York City apartment building on December 8, 1980.

A mosaic nearby in Central Park has become a pilgrimage site for fans from all over the world to commemorate the singer.