Killer Mervyn Keith Hull, who murdered his infant son with an axe, may be freed

A MAN who killed his infant son with an axe in 1995 on SA's Eyre Peninsula could be freed from prison within a few weeks.

A MAN who killed his infant son with an axe in 1995 could be freed from prison within a few weeks.

The Parole Board approved the release of Mervyn Keith Hull, 48, in May last year but South Australian Cabinet intervened to keep him behind bars.

Hull will again be interviewed by the board next month. Correctional Services Minister Michael O'Brien yesterday would not say if the Government would take action if the board made a similar determination.

Public submissions to the board close today.

The mother and grandfather of victim Cameron Hull have been co-ordinating a public campaign to prevent his release.

Mervyn Hull was 29 when he used an axe to kill nine-month-old Cameron in August 1995, following a botched murder-suicide attempt.

Cameron's mother Valerie Staunton, 38, said 18,500 people had joined a Facebook campaign to keep Hull in jail.

"I think there are many many people over here in Port Lincoln who do not want to see a baby killer released into the community," Ms Staunton said.

Cameron's grandfather, Darryl Staunton, yesterday told The Advertiser the family wanted Hull to remain behind bars for life.

"He should not be released at all," he said. "This crime was against a defenceless baby who could not defend himself.

"He snuffed out the life of a baby and, while I don't think the death penalty is the answer either, he should spend his life in jail.

"There was no remorse at all, he even kept abusing us on the phone after he went to jail."

Ms Staunton, then 22, had ended her relationship with Hull three months before the murder.

Mr Staunton said Hull had been allowed access to his son after the relationship broke down and Cameron had been killed during an access visit organised by Valerie.

Hull was sentenced to life in prison with a non-parole period of nine years but, on appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Supreme Court increased the non-parole period to 14 years.

Cabinet last year overturned the Parole Board's decision to release him.

The Correctional Services Department yesterday refused to allow The Advertiser to seek comment from Hull.