Vivian Frederick Deboo, who abused SA’s Masked Brothers, dies in jail weeks after being denied release on parole

One of SA’s most infamous child abusers has died weeks after being denied parole, bringing his masked victims’ campaign for justice to an end.

Notorious pedophile Vivian Frederick Deboo – whose crimes changed SA law and made public heroes of his masked victims – has died behind bars just weeks after losing his bid for parole.

The Advertiser can reveal Deboo, 78, died in custody this week while serving his six-year, seven-month sentence for abusing two men known as “Brother A” and “Brother B”.

Deboo was not due to be released until next year, after the Parole Board rejected his early freedom bid because he still posed “too high” a risk to children.

On Thursday, Brother B – who first brought attention to the case by walking alongside Deboo outside court, masked and carrying a placard – said news of the death was sobering.

Brother B, left, walks alongside Vivian Frederick Deboo and his wife Margaret in November 2018. Picture: Supplied

“The very first sign I held up read ‘pedophiles never get a life sentence’ … in a very ironic way, in this case, that’s what Deboo got,” he said.

“My brother and I both feel numb … there’s not a sense of victory, not a sense of joy, just a sense of numb and shock.

“As time goes on, there will be a growing sense of absolute closure.”

Deboo had been in custody since November 1, 2018, when his bail was cancelled in the wake of his guilty pleas to multiple child sex charges.

The former church elder and caterer admitted abusing the brothers in the 1990s – crimes perpetrated while falsely claiming their own parents had sanctioned his actions.

Decades later the brothers, as grown men, reported Deboo to SA Police after separate, traumatic encounters with him in public.

By that time, Deboo had already served a prison term for abusing other boys during the same period as his crimes against the brothers.

Vivian Frederick Deboo’s final moments of freedom saw him surrounded by his victims and their supporters in a protest outside court. Picture: AAP/David Mariuz

Prior to Deboo’s incarceration, Brother A and Brother B staged a series of memorable and peaceful public protests while wearing masks and carrying placards.

Deboo’s final moments of freedom, before his bail was revoked, were spent walking a “monster’s crossing” created by the brothers and their supporters outside court.

“I feel like him having to walk through a large crowd of people voicing their discontent and anger, as his last moments of freedom, is really reflective of our society’s view of pedophiles,” Brother B said.

“He was surrounded by well-informed citizens who were figuratively throwing emotional rotten tomatoes at him … that was his departure from society.”

The brothers’ tireless efforts earned the support of rock and roll legends Bon Jovi, who dedicated a song to them during their Adelaide concert.

Their campaigning saw SA law changed so that child sex offenders were banned from serving their sentences on home detention – Deboo was the first prisoner affected.

Brother A, left, and Brother B, right, surrounded by paper cut outs symbolising Australia’s child abuse victims. Picture: Tom Huntley

In late 2023, Deboo filed an application for parole that was opposed by the brothers, who said the “evil and desperate man” deserved no leniency.

In May, the Parole Board rejected Deboo’s bid, with chair Frances Nelson KC saying it was “not persuaded that his risk” to children “had been reduced” by his time in jail.

Brother B said he had spoken to Brother A since receiving the news of Deboo’s death.

“He said he’s just so happy that neither he nor his family can ever bump into Deboo in public ever again,” he said.

“(My brother) had a growing sense of anxiety that was a possibility upon parole, and now that’s been stopped … it cannot happen.

“Brother A feels it was worth it all.”

Under state law, Deboo’s death is considered a death in custody and a report will be prepared for the coroner.