Frankston serial killer Paul Denyer’s parole bid denied
Paul Denyer has been denied release from prison over the brutal murders of three women in the 90s, with one victim’s family saying they are “walking on air”.
Police & Courts
Don't miss out on the headlines from Police & Courts. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Frankston serial killer Paul Denyer’s parole bid has been denied.
Relatives of Denyer’s three victims were told of the Adult Parole Board’s decision on Wednesday.
Brian Russell, father of victim Natalie Russell, said it was a “tremendous relief” to know Denyer would stay behind bars.
“We are walking on air,” Mr Russell told the Herald Sun.
“It is a tremendous relief. It has been preying on us for the last couple of years. It has been a worry. We are tickled pink.
“We will have a far better night’s sleep. Nothing worse than waking up at 2am in the middle of the night thinking about it all.”
Denyer, dubbed the Frankston serial killer, was sentenced to life with a non-parole period of 30 years in 1993 for the murders of student Elizabeth Anne-Marie Stevens, 18, Seaford mother Debbie Fream, 22, and schoolgirl Natalie Russell, 17.
Natalie’s parents Brian and Carmel Russell were contacted by the Department of Justice via mail in November last year notifying them of his eligibility for community release on April 11.
Mr Russell said it was the “best phone call he had ever received”.
“We won’t be dancing in the street tonight, but we might have a champagne or two,” he said.
“If Denyer was ever let out, we don’t know what we’d do.”
Join the conversation
State’s biggest police operation targeting worst teen offenders
A police campaign to combat Victoria’s worst youth offenders has become the state’s single biggest operation, with up to 70 officers a night working to catch out-of-control teens stealing cars and breaking into homes.
Read more
No-confidence vote begins against top cop Shane Patton
Police have begun voting on a no-confidence motion against Chief Commissioner Shane Patton in a bid to force a recruitment campaign for his job instead of handing him a second term.
Read more