Queensland’s ‘Charles Manson’ killer in bid for parole after cancer diagnosis

A depraved and sadistic child killer and serial kidnapper – one of the few Queensland prisoners to be jailed indefinitely – has made a bid for freedom after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

A depraved and sadistic child killer and serial kidnapper – one of the few Queensland prisoners to be jailed indefinitely – has made a bid for freedom after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

And one of his victims has launched a petition in a plea to keep the “evil” killer behind bars.

Lloyd Clark Fletcher was jailed in 1978 for the rape and attempted murder of a young woman in Innisfail. After raping her, Fletcher choked the young woman into unconsciousness before dragging her to a jetty and throwing her into the water.

He was jailed for the attack but four months after his release, Fletcher raped and murdered 15-year-old Janet Phillips after she left a party at Wynnum on Brisbane’s bayside.

It would take police another 10 years to link Fletcher to the murder but in 1989, he struck again, attacking 13-year-old Donna Rupp in regional Victoria as she rode her bike home.

He was sentenced to five years jail but was released in 1993.

Four years later, he attacked an 18-year-old woman at the Wynnum railway station. Fletcher dragged the young woman to his car at knifepoint, beat and choked her but she escaped when he was disturbed by a group of teenagers.

Donna Rupp was abducted at knifepoint by Lloyd Fletcher in 1989.

Ms Rupp was riding her bike home when Fletcher spotted her, pulled over and walked back towards her. He pulled out a knife and held it to her back as he marched her over a bridge and to his car.

The terrified schoolgirl mouthed “help me” to a passing car, causing them to stop and ask if she was OK.

“I saved myself by miming,” she said, explaining she’d been too frightened to scream.

“I was very lucky. I knew a few more feet away, if I got into his car, it was over.

“I had to try and save myself.”

Ms Rupp created a petition that has already gathered more than 22,000 signatures. She hopes it will gain the attention of the Parole Board Queensland.

Fletcher has applied for parole, arguing he should be released because he is suffering from cancer. He could also be subject to new laws targeting the “worst of the worst” killers introduced after Barrie John Watts – who killed Noosa schoolgirl Sian Kingi – made a bid for freedom.

Janet Phillips was murdered by Lloyd Clark Fletcher

Lloyd Clark Fletcher after being charged with the murder of Janet Phillips

The laws allow the president of the parole board to make a declaration preventing a child murderer or someone convicted of multiple murders from applying for parole for 10 years.

“On behalf of Janet and all the other victims, we never want to see him do this to anyone again,” Ms Rupp said.

“Janet’s death was avoidable – he was out on parole. I want to try and make sure he stays behind bars.

“I want to do all I can for Janet’s family, for the other victims and every woman and girl who needs protection from him.”

Retired detective Mike McKay, who investigated Fletcher for years before linking him to Ms Phillips’ murder, described him as a psychopath who should never be released.

“In my career of 43 years, he’d be one of the few that I would be comfortable saying that he fits the profile of a criminal psychopath,” he said.

“His eyes … he was a Charles Manson. They were haunting, they were piercing. He hated women.

“As a young kid, he was caught killing female cows up at Innisfail. When they asked him about it, he said you never kill the bulls – only the female cows.

“I’d be happy to sign the petition.”

Ms Rupp’s petition can be viewed here.

Originally published as Queensland’s ‘Charles Manson’ killer in bid for parole after cancer diagnosis