SA’s masked brothers celebrate victory as pedophile Vivian Frederick Deboo is refused parole, will serve full prison term

Two men whose peaceful protests changed state law and saw their abuser jailed have won again. Here’s how.

The notorious pedophile whose case made public heroes of his anonymous, masked victims has lost his bid for early release – because he still poses “too high” a risk to children.

The Advertiser can reveal that six years in jail has done little, in the eyes of the Parole Board, to reduce Vivian Frederick Deboo’s potential to reoffend.

Parole Board chair Frances Nelson KC said that, as a result of the decision, Deboo’s application for release had been rejected and he would serve his full prison term.

“We interviewed him, and we formed our own conclusions as to his potential risk (to the community) having regard to all of the material,” she said.

“We thought his risk was too high to be safely managed in the community … we were not persuaded that his risk had been reduced (by his time in jail).”

Brother A, left, and Brother B, right, are survivors of sexual abuse perpetrated by pedophile Vivian Frederick Deboo. Picture: Sam Wundke

The board’s decision has delighted two of Deboo’s victims, known as “Brother A” and “Brother B” for their series of peaceful public protests during his prosecution.

“The level of arrogance and ego of this monster never ceases to amaze me,” Brother B told The Advertiser.

“The fact that he couldn’t even set all of that aside to impress a Parole Board hearing as to his remorse and rehabilitation speaks to that.

“This decision is immensely joyous, satisfying and relieving for both my brother and myself, and for our extended families and friends.”

In December 2018, Deboo was jailed for abusing Brothers A and B, and made ineligible for parole until March 2024.

The brothers, whose masked campaign changed state law so that pedophiles could not be given home detention sentences, subsequently received an award for their activism.

In March this year, The Advertiser revealed Deboo had filed an application for release on parole that would see him return to live at his family home.

The brothers opposed the application – both publicly and in submissions to the Parole Board – saying Deboo’s actions had left them with “a life sentence” of trauma.

Deboo, centre, will now serve his full prison term. Picture: David Mariuz

This week, Brother B said the board’s decision had “strengthened his faith” in the legal ystem.

“My faith in it has, at times, been tested, so this decision restores some of that belief in the rigour and responsibility of the board and of the system,” he said.

“My message to other survivors is to never give up, never quit fighting, and always put forward to the board your strongest possible case.”

Brother B said he and his family would now prepare themselves for Deboo’s eventual release when his sentence expires next year.

“I still feel like there’s significant legal change that needs to be considered in how we, as a community, better oversee the release of these types of offenders,” he said.

“Once a pedophile, always a pedophile, in my mind – no matter what you tell the Parole Board.”