Neil Mitchell’s campaign to keep a serial killer behind bars

Frankston serial killer Paul Denyer has applied for parole and it’s Neil Mitchell’ “strong view” he should never get out.

Denyer was sentenced to life without parole in 1993 for the murders of Elizabeth Anne-Marie Stevens, Debbie Fream and Natalie Russell.

But a non-parole period of 30 years was later set, making him eligible to apply for release next year.

Neil Mitchell is collecting messages from the public calling for Denyer to remain behind bars, which he plans to present to the parole board.

“Denyer was a mass murderer,” Neil Mitchell said.

“What I’m looking for is a way to send a message on behalf of the public and on behalf of the families.

“The parole board is there representing the public — they’re not lawyers, it’s not a court, so can they take into account what we, the public, think?”

Press PLAY below to hear Neil’s view

Criminal lawyer, Nick Papas KC, says the parole board can “inform itself any way it wants”.

“If you have a strong public reaction to the prospect of Denyer being released then they may take that into account,” he said.

Press PLAY below to hear how the parole board works