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Teen's killer denied parole

A man who tortured and killed a Byford teenager will not be released on parole after Attorney-General Michael Mischin moved to keep him behind bars.

Richard Wells and his girlfriend Tammie May Sherratt murdered 14-year-old James Godden in September 1997 in a sadistic crime that shocked the State.

Wells, who was formerly known as Richard Leatch, knocked James off his bike when he was 1.5km from home and took him to a bush camp site.

He tortured James for an hour and eventually strangled him with a rope as Sherratt stood guard with a samurai sword and an axe.

A spokeswoman for Mr Mischin today confirmed he had accepted a recommendation that Wells not be released to parole.

Wells was jailed for life with a minimum of 17 years after pleading guilty to wilful murder and Sherratt was given a mandatory life sentence with a minimum of 12 years.

Peter and Catherine Godden with a picture of their son James, who was murdered in 1997. Picture: Mogens Johansen, The West Australian


In sentencing remarks, the pair were described as social outcasts.

The court was told they blew kisses and mouthed “I love you” to each other during the attack.

Wells was released on home detention for rape offences three months before he murdered James.

He will not be considered for release again until 2017.