The man who shot John Lennon more than 30 years ago claimed at his parole hearing that God has taught him to see that there are other people in the world.

Mark David Chapman shot and killed the ex-Beatle outside his New York apartment on 8 December 1980.

Chapman stalked Lennon for months in New York prior to killing him, despite the fact he lived with his wife in Hawaii at the time.

He was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison and was denied parole at his eighth hearing on 20 August.

A transcript of the hearing was posted to Scribd and reports Chapman as saying that he had "extremely selfish motives for my own self-glory" at the time he murdered Lennon.

"That bright light of fame, of infamy, notoriety was there. I couldn't resist it," he told the parole board.

He also described being depressed, drinking and being suicidal.

But he goes on to claim that he is no longer interested in the media attention he has received for killing Lennon.

"I haven't had an interview in 24 years and believe me they come. It's not my interest anymore at all...

"Believe me I am not interested in any press whatsoever at all, and there has been many times where I could have and very recently too. I won't mention names, but you would be surprised," he said.

And he attributes the shift in his focus to a faith in God.

"I had extremely selfish motives for my own self-glory. Thats the best way I can say it," Chapman told the board.

"My focus is totally, it isn't on me anymore. God has helped me through the years to see, 'hey, there is other people in this world.'

"I am not perfect, still working on some things.  Jesus has helped me to see that he loves me, and that is what has made the difference in my life is him."

He adds: "God loves us all whether we're celebrities or not, and he demonstrated his love by sending Christ to us."