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Shocking alleged confession to sickening cold-case killings of Brisbane mother and girls

Brisbane mother Barbara McCulkin was allegedly strangled and buried in bushland with her girls.

This is one of the shocking revelations surrounding cold-case killings that have been revealed in a Queensland court.

In a bedroom conversation with his lover, Vincent O'Dempsey allegedly made a bombshell confession - he's a serial killer.

In a bedroom conversation with his lover, Vincent O'Dempsey allegedly made a bombshell confession - he's a serial killer. Photo: 7 News
In a bedroom conversation with his lover, Vincent O'Dempsey allegedly made a bombshell confession - he's a serial killer. Photo: 7 News

His former girlfriend says that four years ago the 70s underworld figure claimed he murdered 33 people.

"He said he was good for the McCulkin murders but they'd never get him for it," Kerri-Anne Scully told Brisbane Magistrates Court.

The horrific account of what allegedly happened to Barbara, Vicki and Leanne McCulkin came from Peter Hall.

He says he kept silent for decades, hiding a confession by Garry Dubois.

The horrific account of what allegedly happened to Barbara, Vicki and Leanne McCulkin came from Peter Hall. Photo: 7 News
The horrific account of what allegedly happened to Barbara, Vicki and Leanne McCulkin came from Peter Hall. Photo: 7 News

For 40 years police hunted for evidence like this.

The girls were separated from the mother, the court heard.

Vince allegedly took the mother away and strangled her and wanted Dubois to kill one of the children - but Dubois couldn't do it.

Vince allegedly took the mother away and strangled her and wanted Dubois to kill one of the children - but Dubois couldn't do it. Photo: 7 News
Vince allegedly took the mother away and strangled her and wanted Dubois to kill one of the children - but Dubois couldn't do it. Photo: 7 News

Dubois allegedly blamed O'Dempsey for all three murders in bushland near Warwick.

The men were friends of Billy McCulkin. The bodies of his wife and children are still missing.

Mr Hall said Dubois confessed to three friends and they all decided to never discuss it again. It was a pact that lasted decades.

Brisbane mother Barbara McCulkin was allegedly strangled and buried in bushland with her girls. Photo: 7 News
Brisbane mother Barbara McCulkin was allegedly strangled and buried in bushland with her girls. Photo: 7 News

Hall has indemnity from prosecution.

Now, he admits he and the accused men torched a Brisbane bar for insurance money.

The group of four was paid $500 for the 1973 insurance con, given the night club
The group of four was paid $500 for the 1973 insurance con, given the night club

Hall previously claimed Dubois had approached his gang, the so-called "Clockwork Orange Group", and told them O'Dempsey had commissioned them to stage an arson attack on the Torino's nightclub venue.

The group of four was paid $500 for the 1973 insurance con, given the night club "wasn't doing too well", he said.

A month later, Whisky Au Go Go was fire bombed, killing 15 people.

Whisky Au Go Go was fire bombed in 1973, killing 15 people. Photo: 7 News
Whisky Au Go Go was fire bombed in 1973, killing 15 people. Photo: 7 News

The court heard Barbara McCulkin believed her husband was involved in both fires and considered telling police.

Soon after, she was dead.

O'Dempsey, 76, and his co-accused, Dubois, 68, deny police allegations against them.

The hearing continues.

News break – November 24