A SOMERSET man sentenced to life behind bars for murdering his wife is hoping to be released.

Glynn Razzell, from Crewkerne, is having his parole application considered.

Razzell, who is now in his 60s, has always denied killing his wife, Linda, who disappeared in March 2002 when she was aged 41.

Her body has never been found, but her husband was found guilty of her murder in 2003.

The Parole Board turned down a previous parole application last October, citing Helen's Law, which aims to keep killers in jail if they refuse to reveal where their victims' bodies are.

A spokesperson for the Parole Board told the BBC members would "read and digest hundreds of pages of evidence and reports" ahead of an oral hearing.

They added: "We can confirm the parole review of Glyn Razzell has been referred to the Parole Board by the Secretary of State for Justice and is following standard processes."

It will assess whether Razzell could represent a threat to the public if released "and whether that risk is manageable in the community".

The spokesperson added that the panel would "carefully examine a huge range of evidence" and consider "the harm done and impact the crime has had on the victims".

The Parole Board spokesperson said the panel would also consider evidence from numerous witnesses and that victim statements might be given at the hearing.

They added: "It is standard for the prisoner and witnesses to be questioned at length during the hearing which often lasts a full day or more.

"Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care.

"Protecting the public is our number one priority."

Razzell and his wife were taken steps to divorce when she went missing as she travelled to work at Swindon College, Wiltshire.

The jury in his trial heard that he was not prepared to accept the proposed financial settlement.