Killer ‘hates himself’ for murdering Pakenham mum

Kylie Blackwood was a much-loved Pakenham mother.

By Mitchell Clarke

A court has heard the monster who murdered Kylie Blackwood has said that he “hates himself” for destroying a Pakenham family.

It’s the first glimpse of remorse shown by Scott Murdoch, who brutally murdered the much-loved mother inside her McCaffery Rise property on 1 August 2013.

“I hate myself for what has gone on… if I could take it back I would,” Murdoch said in a statement read out by his defence.

“I know I’ve destroyed her husband and kid’s life. I’m sorry.”

Despite this acknowledgement, Murdoch’s defence barrister Jim Shaw appeared before the Supreme Court on Wednesday 4 March, pleading for Justice Jane Dixon to fix a non-parole period.

“That is a small, perhaps belated expression of remorse, but nonetheless it is a very clear expression of remorse in relation to Ms Blackwood and her family,” Mr Shaw said.

“A sentence of imprisonment without parole after a plea of guilty in a murder case is an exceptional thing.

“Setting a non-parole period doesn’t ensure Mr Murdoch’s release at any time… it simply gives him an eligibility for that very assessment to occur.”

The prosecution want Murdoch locked up for life, with Nick Papas QC stating that “no other sentence other than the maximum of life imprisonment” was appropriate.

Justice Dixon acknowledged there were some “complex matters” to consider and balance before she sentences Murdoch at a later date.