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The man who killed John Lennon has been denied parole and will remain imprisoned for at least two more years, New York state officials have said.

Mark David Chapman, 55, was denied release for the sixth time following a video interview with a parole panel.

Chapman, who has a history of mental illness, pleaded guilty to shooting the former Beatle to death on the street outside his New York City home in 1980.

He is next eligible for a parole hearing in August 2012, officials said.

In a written statement, the parole board acknowledged his institutional record, but cited the "disregard" he showed "for the norms of our society and the sanctity of human life" by carefully planning Lennon's murder.

"This premeditated, senseless and selfish act of tragic consequence... leads to the conclusion that your discretionary release remains inappropriate at this time and incompatible with the welfare of the community," the New York state parole board wrote.