Previously, a jail governor could only refuse to accept a marriage request if they believed there were reasons for security concerns.
A new law prohibiting the most dangerous offenders from marrying while incarcerated has taken effect, putting Levi Bellfield’s civil partnership at risk.
Bellfield kidnapped and murdered 13-year-old Milly Dowler in 2002. He murdered Marsha McDonnell four years later, in 2003, and Amelie Delagrange the following year.
In addition, he attempted to murder Kate Sheedy, who was 18 years old, and he is suspected in other incidents.
As one of the most notorious offenders in the United Kingdom, he is currently serving two life sentences and will never be released from jail.
After being engaged to a female visitor two years ago, the 56-year-old inmate appeared to be on the verge of marrying while confined, sparking widespread indignation.
The former wheelclamper and bouncer dropped down on one knee in front of the wardens at the high-security jail known as HMP Frankland in County Durham, according to reports.
Bellfield successfully opposed the measures to restrict the wedding, and it is reported that the government provided him with up to thirty thousand pounds in legal aid to battle the issue on human rights grounds.
In a statement issued last year, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) declared that there was no way to stop him and that the law would be modified.
According to reports, Bellfield recently changed his marriage application to one for a civil partnership.
It is believed that the move was the impetus.