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Push to keep Frankston serial killer Paul Denyer in jail forever

A grieving family whose daughter was one of Paul Denyer’s victims says the serial killer must never be released.

Frankston serial killer Paul Denyer will soon be eligible to be considered for early release.
Frankston serial killer Paul Denyer will soon be eligible to be considered for early release.

Serial killer Paul Denyer must be put in indefinite ­detention when his minimum jail term ends, says the family of one of his victims and police who investigated him.

Denyer is 2½ years from being eligible to seek parole over the murders of student ­Elizabeth Anne-Marie Stevens, 18, Seaford mother Debbie Fream, 22, and schoolgirl ­Natalie Russell, 17.

Denyer, 48, killed the three in the Frankston area in the space of three weeks in 1993.

By June 10, 2023, he will be eligible to be considered for early release by the Adult Parole Board, though there is no guarantee it would be granted.

Despite being an avowed woman-hater, Denyer now dresses as a female and asks to be addressed as Paula.

Victim Debbie Fream, holding her son Jake.
Victim Debbie Fream, holding her son Jake.
Elizabeth Anne-Marie Stevens was murdered at the age of 18.
Elizabeth Anne-Marie Stevens was murdered at the age of 18.
Natalie Russell, 17, was another of the thrill-killer’s victims.
Natalie Russell, 17, was another of the thrill-killer’s victims.

One of those who investigated the thrill-killer said parole should not be an option.

Former homicide squad ­detective Charlie Bezzina said rehabilitation was not an ­option for Denyer and authorities should be turning their thoughts to how to protect the public from him.

“He’s evil. He will forever be a risk,” Mr Bezzina said.

“He said to us that even as a 15-year-old he always wanted to kill.”

Mr Bezzina said he did not care whether an act of parliament or post-sentence detention provisions for violent offenders was used to cage ­Denyer for the rest of his life.

“I’d put him in the same league as Julian Knight. He’s been legislated against,” Mr Bezzina said.

Natalie Russell’s parents, Carmel and Brian.
Natalie Russell’s parents, Carmel and Brian.

Natalie Russell’s father Brian said Denyer would never be cured of his urges and was a clear-cut candidate for indefinite detention.

“It’s (Denyer’s release) about the last thing we’d want. He’s still fairly young. He’d be killing young women again,” Mr Russell said.

Corrections Minister Natalie Hutchins said the matter was one for the Adult Parole Board.

“Victoria has the toughest parole system in Australia, and we remain vigilant to make sure the system works and keeps the community safe,” Ms Hutchins said.

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Paul Denyer now dresses as a woman, despite being an avowed misogynist.
Paul Denyer now dresses as a woman, despite being an avowed misogynist.
Denyer now asks to be addressed as Paula.
Denyer now asks to be addressed as Paula.

“Given the severity of these crimes we will continue to watch this case closely.”

Opposition corrections spokesman David Southwick said the rights of victims and public safety took priority.

“With Denyer’s victims’ families receiving the life sentence of losing their loved ones, this individual should never again be allowed to threaten the safety of others in the community,” he said.

mark.buttler@news.com.au

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts/push-to-keep-frankston-serial-killer-paul-denyer-in-jail-forever/news-story/f4011f2b71a1d8864057a9cdd797efeb