NSW: Murderer escapes life sentence for three deaths

AAP General News (Australia)
04-07-2000
NSW: Murderer escapes life sentence for three deaths

A triple murderer who strangled three people has escaped a life sentence because he
was rejected and emotionally deprived growing up.

In jailing MATTHEW JAMES HARRIS for a minimum 25 years, Justice VIRGINIA BELL said
the prisoner suffered emotional deprivation and rejection.

She's told the New South Wales Supreme Court his unfortunate background was part of
the cause of the offences.

HARRIS, aged 31, pleaded guilty to murdering 62-year-old PETER WENNERBOM, 33-year-old
YVONNE FORD and 53-year-old RON GALVIN in the NSW Riverina city of Wagga Wagga in October
and November 1998.

Justice BELL said HARRIS told police he was angry with the world and strangling people
was his revenge on society.

One of the victim's brother, CHARLES FORD, said outside court he thought HARRIS should
have been jailed for three life terms.

HARRIS told police he strangled Ms FORD because she had a mild intellectual disability
and was an easy target.

HARRIS then strangled his immediate neighbour in the unit block he lived in, RON GALVIN,
who was physically disabled.

He then attempted to kill himself twice with heroin overdoses.

He'll be eligible for parole on November 30, 2023.

AAP RTV gl/sB/gmw/rp

KEYWORD: HARRIS (SYDNEY)

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