Petition against Paul Denyer parole bid gains 30,000 signatures

A parole bid by one of Victoria’s most evil serial killers has prompted more than 30,000 people to oppose his release.

Frankston killer Paul Denyer is escorted by police.

A petition to keep Frankston serial killer Paul Denyer behind bars for the rest of his life has gained more than 30,000 signatures.

The change.org petition has attracted more than 30,000 signatures, after it was revealed last week Paul Denyer had applied for parole.

Denyer was jailed over the murders of student ­Elizabeth Anne-Marie Stevens, 18, Seaford mother Debbie Fream, 22, and schoolgirl ­Natalie Russell, 17.

Denyer was sentenced to life without parole for his heinous crimes in 1993.

Frankston serial killer Paul Denyer’s non-parole period of 30 years ends next year.

A non-parole period of 30 years was later set, making him eligible for release in 2023.

“He has never shown any remorse for these senseless murders and even stated that it was something he had wanted to do for many years,” petition author Nathan Oud said.

“In my eyes there is no doubt he will reoffend.

It wasn’t just the murders but the brutality inflicted on these beautiful souls, that shows why this person should never be released.”

Mr Oud was family friends with victim Elizabeth Anne-Marie Stevens.

Brian Russell, father of Denyer’s last known victim Natalie, said he was disgusted about the parole bid.

“It is a kick in the guts, he ruined our lives,” Mr Russell told the Herald Sun.

“I was a bit shocked, to be honest, when I got the call. Why they are going out of their way to be nice to this person is beyond me. He should never be released.

Carmel and Brian Russell, parents of Denyer’s last known victim, are disgusted by the parole bid. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

“I think it is ridiculous to even consider paroling a person like this. He terrified the whole district, he will kill again. The fear he caused is still in people around the place.”

Mr Russell said he was contacted on Wednesday and told Denyer was eligible for parole on April 11 next year.

“We are told it has been brought forward due to the conditions in prison because of Covid,” he said.

“Why they go out of their way to do something for a bloke like this, I don’t know. With a bit of luck, he will never see the light of day again.”

Mr Russell said he was waiting on paperwork from the Department of Justice on the matter.

He said his wife Carmel had not taken the news well.

“She’s not too well,” Mr Russell said.

“Neither of us slept too well last night. We haven’t forgotten about what he did. He should not be released.”