Parole victory for wife slayer James Ramage who used work alias

MILLIONAIRE wife-killer James Ramage has avoided being sent back to jail despite violating a condition of his release.

James Ramage

MILLIONAIRE wife-killer James Ramage has avoided being sent back to jail despite violating a condition of his release by attempting to conceal his past.

He was hauled before the Adult Parole Board last week following the Sunday Herald Sun's revelation that he was working as general manager at Dimmey's under an alias. The father of two used the name James Stuart for about a year.

Parole Board general manager David Provan said that on January 9 the board interviewed Ramage over his use of the name at his workplace.

Ramage faced the prospect of being ordered to serve out the remainder of his parole term behind bars.

But Mr Provan said he avoided being sanctioned.

Ramage would continue to be closely monitored, he said.

"At the conclusion of the meeting, the board reiterated his responsibilities and obligations while on parole," Mr Provan said.

Mr Provan said that for privacy reasons he was not permitted to reveal what discussions with Ramage took place when he was ordered to explain himself.

Under his parole conditions, Ramage is not permitted to change his name without the board's assent.

Shortly after the Sunday Herald Sun revelations Ramage quit the job, citing adverse publicity.

The 53-year-old bashed and strangled wife Julie in 2003, after claiming he "lost it" when she wanted to end their marriage of 23 years.

He bundled her body into the boot of his Jaguar and buried her in a shallow grave in Kinglake, before taking his son to dinner.

Ramage was convicted of manslaughter after beating a murder charge by arguing he had been provoked.

He was jailed for 11 years, with a minimum non-parole term of eight years.

Ramage was the last person in Victoria to use the provocation defence, which was abolished as a result of public outrage at his and other previous cases.