Under significant reforms to Victoria’s parole system, serial killers like Paul Denyer will soon be prohibited from reapplying for parole for a prolonged period of time.
In addition to establishing guidelines to make sure offenders enroll in “meaningful” rehabilitation programs, Premier Daniel Andrews announced that work would soon start to establish “minimum periods” of time between applications for parole.
It happens after Denyer wrote a letter pleading for his release to the ex-boyfriend of one of his victims.
After entering a plea of guilty to the murders of Russell, Elizabeth Stevens, 18, and Deborah Fream, a 22-year-old mother, in 1993, Denyer—now 51—was given three life sentences.
Denyer was originally given a life sentence without the possibility of parole, but after an appeal, this was changed to a 30-year non-parole period, making him eligible for release last month. That offer was turned down.
According to Andrews, the changes would guarantee that people who received parole had undergone “meaningful” transformation.
“You might only have one chance at release if you refuse to participate in those rehabilitation programs. You won’t receive any more, he declared.
“I’m not referring to the possibility that you go to a counseling session.
Because the change is directly related to your ongoing risk to the safety of the Victorian community, it must be a serious, sincere attempt.
Making adjustments for just one person is not the point of this. It involves implementing long-lasting reforms that will benefit a greater population of individuals.
The modifications would only apply to someone convicted of murder or several killings. together with serious offense.
There is no schedule available for when the modifications might take effect.
