‘How dare he’: Victims outraged at Snowtown serial killer’s parole plea as prosecutor says he must never be released

The victims of “bodies in the barrels” serial murderer Robert Joe Wagner are terrified he will track them down and resume his killing spree if ever released from prison, a court has been told.

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• ‘They stop my visitors and mail’, Wagner complains to court

The victims of “bodies in the barrels” serial murderer Robert Joe Wagner are terrified he will track them down and resume his killing spree if ever released from prison, a court has been told.

On Monday, Commissioner for Victims’ Rights Bronwyn Killmier intervened in Wagner’s bid to have a non-parole period set.

In a statement read to Justice Greg Parker, she said she had discussed the matter with the victims’ families — all of whom had expressed dismay, trauma and terror.

“Even though time has passed, they are still suffering and their pain is very real ... there is no end date to how they feel,” she said.

“This is abhorrent to them ... one said ‘we’ve spent the past 20 years trying to get on with our lives, and something hits us in the face and knocks us down’.

“Another asked ‘how dare he?’, one called it ‘a slap in the face’ showing Wagner has ‘no regard for anyone but himself’.

“None of the victims believe that he is finished ... they believe that, on his release, he will kill again ... that, if released, he will find them and hurt them.”

A guard, centre, escorts “bodies in the barrels serial killers John Justin Bunting, left, and Robert Joe Wagner, right, into court following their arrest.

Wagner, 48, is serving 10 consecutive life sentences without parole for his part in the infamous 1990s murder spree. The ringleader, John Justin Bunting, is serving 11 consecutive life sentences, also without parole.

This month, The Advertiser revealed Wagner had asked the Supreme Court to grant him a non-parole period to aid his rehabilitation and his mental health.

Prosecutors have opposed the bid, saying Wagner’s crimes are so great that he could never meet the legal test for imposing such a period.

Representing himself in court last week, Wagner said he wanted even a remote opportunity to possibly spend time with his now-adult son one day.

He also complained of his treatment in prison, claiming officials had intercepted his mail and prevented a “helpful” visitor speaking to both him and Bunting.

Wagner is representing himself in his bid for a non-parole period.

On Monday, Ms Killmier said the murders showed “brutality on a scale never before seen in this state or country”.

She said Wagner had never shown contrition or remorse.

“He was given a sentence without parole for good and valid reasons — those remain the same today,” she said.

Prosecutor Carmen Matteo said Wagner’s crimes were “of unparalleled seriousness” and violence extending to “protracted episodes of torture”.

Wagner watched from the dock as Ms Matteo outlined the 10 murders, emphasising the “enjoyment” he and Bunting had taken from the murders.

She said the criminality was exacerbated by the “utterly vile way” the duo “mutilated and defiled” the bodies after death.

“This is one of those extremely rare matters where the requirements of justice can only be met by the court declining to fix a non-parole period,” she said.

“He is incapable of rehabilitation.”

Given his opportunity to speak, Wagner said he had only one point to make. He noted other murderers including Bevan Spencer von Einem, Truro killer James Miller, Snowtown co-accused James Vlassakis, and “the Bourke Street Mall killer” all received non-parole periods.

“Just because my crimes are bad, those people have done significantly bad crimes but have been given the opportunity to get parole,” he said. “That’s the point, that’s it Your Honour.”

Justice Parker asked Wagner if he wanted to point the court towards any examples of his contrition or remorse.

“There’s no point in saying I’m sorry,” Wagner replied. “The prosecution will say I’m only saying it to get a non-parole period.”

Justice Parker has reserved his decision.

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