Image copyright EPA Image caption The parole board ruled Chapman's release would be incompatible with the welfare of society

The man who shot dead musician John Lennon in 1980 has been denied parole for the eighth time by authorities in New York.

Mark Chapman was sentenced to 20 years to life in 1981 after pleading guilty to second-degree murder.

Chapman, now 59, shot Lennon four times outside a Manhattan apartment block.

The parole board said the murder of the famous British musician and former member of The Beatles "devastated a family and those who loved the victim".

"Your release would be incompatible with the welfare of society and would so deprecate the serious nature of the crime as to undermine respect for the law," the board said.

Chapman can reapply for parole in two years.

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