Mark Chapman had a history of mental illness before he committed the murder
John Lennon's killer has been denied parole for a fifth time because of "concern for the public safety and welfare", it has been announced.
Mark Chapman, 53, will remain in Attica prison, New York, for at least another two years.
Chapman told parole board members at a hearing that he planned the killing "with an essentially clear mind".
A lawyer for Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono, said she was "very pleased" with the board's decision.
Chapman shot the former Beatle as he and wife Ono returned to their Manhattan apartment building on 8 December 1980.
He has been in prison for 27 years since pleading guilty to the murder.
The board noted that Chapman had a clean disciplinary record since 1994 but said his conduct had "precipitated a horrendously tragic event which has impacted many individuals".
"Your discretionary release at this time would thus not be compatible with the welfare of society at large," the board added.
A spokesman for the New York correctional services department said Chapman was being held in an isolated unit away from other prisoners because of fears for his safety.
Chapman, who had a history of mental illness before he committed the murder, was also denied parole in 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2006.
He will be allowed to apply again in 2010.