Mark Chapman has told parole officials that he is ashamed about killing the former Beatle John Lennon.

Chapman shot Lennon when he was returning to his apartment in New York with his wife, Yoko Ono, in December 1980.

He was denied parole at the fifth attempt of trying earlier this month because of "concern for the public safety and welfare".

It has now emerged that Chapman told officials at the hearing that he now realises the significance of the life he took.

"I feel now at 53 I have grown into a deeper understanding of what a human life is. I have changed a lot,” he said.

Chapman has been imprisoned for the last 28 years over the killing. He will be allowed to apply for release again in 2010.

(by Jason Gregory)