Norman Parker: Murderer & Author

Killer Writes 5 Books, Sells 200,000 Copies

In 1970, at 26 years of age, Norman Parker was sentenced to life imprisonment for armed robbery and murder, as well as being a known 'face' in the underworld scene.

His book, Life After Life, details his first crimes -petty theft and burglary. In 1963, he shot Susan, his girlfriend. They were both 18. Her best friend was a witness. She testified that Susan slept with a gun underneath her pillow and had a record of violence. He was sentenced to 6 years for manslaughter.

In 1970, he shot Eddie, a fellow criminal, and was sentenced to life for murder. Five years into his sentence in Parkhurst - Britain's most violent and dangerous long term jail - he put himself through gruelling physical workouts for up to three hours every day and studied for a degree.

After 23 years he was allowed out of open prison three days a week to work in the community. Then, every two months, he was allowed to go home for the weekend. Finally, in his 23rd year, he lived in a prison hostel for nine months, going out to work each day. Then he was released.

His book, Parkhurst Tales, was quite well-received selling 200,000 copies and are 'cautionary tales.' His fifth book, Dangerous People, Dangerous Places, is coming out in June. Undoubtedly, he will be remembered as a murderer who turned to writing, rather than as a writer who once committed murder.