'I think it's going to be short-lived' - sister speaks out after killer denied parole
Naomi Carrack, sister of murder victim Gemma Simpson. (Image: Charley Atkins / SWNS)
THE SISTER of a murdered woman has spoken of her relief after the killer who killed was denied parole - but added that she is concerned about what could happen if he is released.
Naomi Carrack, 53, welcomed the decision to keep Martin Bell behind bars, 12 years into his sentence for the killing of her 23-year-old sister, Gemma Simpson.
Bell was convicted of the manslaughter of Gemma, who was brutally killed in Harrogate in May 2000 after he was released from a psychiatric hospital.
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Naomi, who is from Otley, West Yorkshire, said: "It's good news for now, because he is where he should be. But the worry isn't over. I think it's going to be short-lived."
She believes Bell will appeal the decision, having previously succeeded in overturning a block on his transfer to an open prison - adding that despite asking for details about why his release was refused, the family has not yet received an explanation.
Bell struck Naomi's sister Gemma with a hammer, stabbed her, and left her alive and face-down in a bath for several days, before later dismembering her body and burying her at Brimham Rocks, a National Trust site near Pateley Bridge.
Naomi Carrack with Gemma Simpson when they were kids. (Image: Courtesy of Naomi Carrack / SWNS)
Bell remained silent for 14 years - working as a taxi driver in Scarborough, before confessing walking into a police station to confess in 2014.
He was sentenced to life imprisonment in December of that year after admitting manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
He received a minimum term of 12 years, reduced to 11 years and 205 days to account for time already spent in custody, and was diagnosed with a psychotic mental illness after his arrest.
In 2025, the Parole Board recommended that Bell be moved to an open prison ahead of becoming eligible for release.
James Bell. (Image: West Yorkshire Police)
Naomi wrote what she called a "pleading letter" to then-Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, urging her to stop the move, however Bell successfully challenged that decision and was moved to open conditions in December 2025.
Naomi added: "I'm expecting him to get it overturned because every time he has always had it the way he wants. I'm obviously glad, but I have no doubt he will appeal it."
She was on holiday in Benidorm when she heard Bell’s parole had been denied.
Naomi Carrack with Gemma Simpson. (Image: Courtesy of Naomi Carrack / SWNS)
She said: "I asked why – but, as ever, they didn't tell me on the phone. The parole board says they are going to forward me some details about why it was denied.
"He is capable of stabbing, hammering and dismembering someone - and then moving on with his life for 14 years. I honestly believe it could happen again."
A Parole Board spokesperson confirmed that Bell's bid for release had now been refused.
The decision was reached after the panel examined "a huge range of evidence," including details of the crime, "any evidence of behaviour change" and the "impact the crime has had on the victims".
Naomi Carrack, sister of murder victim Gemma Simpson. (Image: Charley Atkins / SWNS)
The spokesperson said: "Under current legislation he will be eligible for a further review in due course. The date of the next review will be set by the Ministry of Justice."