9: Episode 9: The sentence that didn’t last

It’s been four years since I first learned about the disappearance of Niamh Maye, an 18-year-old who went missing from the small New South Wales town of Batlow back in 2002. I don’t know if it’s because Niamh and I finished high school in the same year, or we shared a similar taste in music, but I felt instinctively drawn to her story. At the time of her disappearance, Niahm was just a young woman, setting out on an adventure with friends and testing the waters of life, like so many 18-year-olds do. But unlike the rest of us, something pulled Niamh under. As I learned more about Niamh’s story, the revelations that unfolded left me in shock. I spent four years speaking with family, friends, witnesses and members of law enforcement to try and get some answers. The result is Missing Niamh, the latest 12 part series from Casefile Presents. Researched and hosted by me, the series features exclusive interviews with key players, who help us dive into the details of Niamh’s case as we go back to Batlow to try and make sense of what really happened. The entire 12-part series is available now. Be sure to download and follow Missing Niamh, wherever you get your podcasts. https://missingniamh.com

When Denyer’s reign of terror was over, he left devastation in his wake. Family and friends struggle to make sense of the crimes. Debbie Fream’s son, now nearly 30 speaks of his loss. With the parole bid looming, we all need to be warned.  

So who is Paul Denyer? He was a boy with some strange and concerning habits which people noticed. As a 21-year-old in prison, he had to navigate a whole new world. We meet the people who met him in prison. 

As Natalie’s family holds her funeral, the police prepare the case against Denyer. He pleads guilty and the judge gives him a life sentence. He appeals and is granted a 30-year non-parole period. Widespread community outrage follows. 

Denyer’s confession is like nothing the police have seen before. He is cocky and boastful and details his crimes with a note of pride in his voice. However, he is cagey about some aspects. He talks to the detectives like they are all friends. 

While Natalie’s loved ones spend the night wondering if the body found could be her, police frantically hunt the killer, fearing he’ll strike again. When two cops report checking a car near the murder scene, his name comes up on the computer. 

Natalie Russell was on her way home from school at 2.30 in the afternoon when she was targeted by the serial killer. He had grown cocky and left evidence at the scene that would link him to the murders. 

A frantic hunt for Debbie is shadowed by images of her partner Garry and their tiny baby. He begs for Debbie to come home on the nightly news. Four days later, a farmer discovers her body. The public panics and fears of a serial killer grow.

Debbie Fream’s new baby was just 12 days old when she invited a friend over for dinner to show him the baby. In the middle of cooking, she ran out of milk and left the friend with the baby while she went to the local store. She never returned. 

After work Thursday 8 July, Roszsa Toth caught the train home to Seaford. Walking in the dark past the Seaford Reserve, Roszsa saw a man watching her. He suddenly lunged and grabbed her. She fought her way from him and was picked up by a passing car.