Killer showed 'child-like persona'

He could be: ''An intelligent, personable sort of guy who you'd be happy chatting to in a pub … an adult displaying a child-like persona'' and then someone who suddenly, without warning, could stare across and ''speak pure evil''.

Denmeade said during one visit, Milat had expressed a burning desire to escape his concrete fortress and witness the fresh air and rolling green hills of southern NSW, one final time.

He said while the killer had not yet confessed to any specific murders, he ''hasn't lied either''.

''You have to understand, we have talked a lot. He's told me things … things I've had verified, things that have given me enough hope to continue on. Everyone talks in the end,'' Denmeade said.

''It's human nature. It just has to be the right situation. And that's the challenge, to create that situation, that environment. He now calls me a friend. That's a development and I believe there is a very strong chance of getting a result.''

Of his relationship with Milat, he said: ''He's suspicious of me, but Ivan's suspicious of everyone. He knows I don't believe he's innocent. And there's no dishonesty to it. As you know, I told him I was a boat skipper in Queensland - and it's true. The only thing I've not been upfront about is the fact that I'm an ex-police officer. It wouldn't have assisted me and, let's face it, some people lose the rights to honesty.'' EAMONN DUFF