Anonymous Host

Another of Paul's neighbours agreed.

I just can't believe that the charges have been laid against him.

He seemed the nicest of people."

Paul Denyer was charged with the murders of Elizabeth Stevens, Debbie Freem and Natalie Russell, as well as the abduction of Rosa Toth.

He pleaded guilty and never attempted to fight the charges.

While awaiting sentencing, he was visited by many doctors and psychologists who were looking for answers.

What they found was that Paul Dania was a rare breed of serial killer who murdered his victims at random, without motive, simply because he had always wanted to.

He had always wanted to kill and claimed he could no longer suppress the urge.

Dania was able to describe his crimes without a flicker of emotion.

Experts found him to be extremely emotionally disturbed, but not legally insane.

He was diagnosed as having a sadistic personality disorder, demonstrated by a steady pattern of cruel, demeaning and aggressive behaviour since early adulthood.

He appeared amused by the psychological and physical suffering he inflicted on his victims.

Dania mentioned that his favourite movie was a 1987 horror film called The Stepfather, which had given him the idea to slash his victim's throats.

He thought it seemed effective.

Dania claimed that one of his brothers had sexually abused him when he was younger, but this was strongly denied by his family.

Paul Denyer was sentenced in Melbourne's Supreme Court on Monday December 20 1993.

He was given three life sentences with no parole period.

The judge described Denyer as a danger to society for which nothing could be done.

Denyer showed no remorse and his only regret appeared to be the fact he was arrested.

Eleven days later, Paul Denyer lodged an appeal against his sentence on the grounds that it was excessive.