Bruce and Denise Morcombe hope their son’s murderer dies in jail long before he gets the chance to apply for parole.
Brett Peter Cowan was sentenced to life in prison on Friday but will be eligible for parole in 20 years, outraging many in the community.
But Daniel’s parents say they are happy with the sentence because they don’t believe Cowan will ever be freed.
“Hopefully he’s dead by the time he’s 60 so we won’t have to worry about the non-parole period,” Denise told 60 Minutes last night in her first official interview since Cowan’s conviction.
“He’ll be there forever,” Bruce added. “He’ll die in jail.”
The Morcombes expressed their horror at finding out Cowan’s previous convictions – he spent time in jail for the sexual assault of two other children – and said they believe Daniel would still be alive today if lawmakers had been able to keep Cowan in jail.
“It’s not an isolated case,” Bruce said. “He hasn’t made a blue and regretted it. He’s been a demon for nearly 30 years. It’s just a shocking record.”
“If he had never been allowed out of jail we wouldn’t be sitting here today,” Denise added. “Daniel would still be alive – this would never have happened.
“I think once they have offended the first time and been charged and found guilty for that offence, they should be on the register from day one.”
The Morcombes also spoke about why they will never forgive Cowan for his crimes.
“He has committed the most heinous of crimes,” Bruce said. “You do not offend against our children – you do not abduct them and you do not attempt to sexually assault them and you certainly do not kill them and then after all of that, show no remorse.
“That’s why there is no forgiveness because he has had no remorse to the family. Stuff him.”
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