In its decision, the Parole Board noted the “continuing cruelty” of Razzell’s refusal to say where Linda’s remains are, but concluded he was no longer a risk to the public.
The full reasoning behind the decision was revealed in documents seen by the BBC.
Greg Worrall, Linda’s fiance at the time of her disappearance, said: “This is just going to be another level of stress to the family and myself.”
Named after Helen McCourt, who was murdered in 1988 and whose killer never revealed where her body was, Helen’s Law compels the Parole Board to consider a prisoner’s refusal to reveal the victim’s remains when assessing their suitability for release.
The Parole Board, in its decision on Razzell, acknowledged the family’s concerns and Helen’s Law but added: “Denial [to reveal the victim’s body’s whereabouts] cannot be a bar to release.”
The Ministry of Justice has confirmed to the BBC it was looking at ways to contest the parole board decision.
A spokesperson said: “Officials acting on behalf of the Secretary of State for Justice are examining if there are grounds to challenge the Parole Board’s decision through the reconsideration mechanism”.