Hemming jailed for at least 27 years over thrill kill murders

A man convicted of the thrill killing of an elderly Melbourne couple has been jailed for at least 27 years.

Thomas James Hemming, 21, of Murrumbeena killed Robert Adamson, 65, and his wife, Cheryl, 60, at their Murrumbeena home on February 19 this year.

Justice Betty King described the murders as "horrific" and said Hemming's lack of remorse made him an "exceedingly poor prospect of rehabilitation."





"You remain incapable of feeling any empathy, sorrow or regret for your fellow human beings," she said in the Victorian Supreme Court on Friday.

Justice King said Hemming, who had been having homicidal thoughts and fantasies about murder for months before he carried them out, had shattered the belief of sanctity in the home for many people.

"These were two decent, caring, helpful people who came to the aid of a neighbour only to be brutally murdered," she said.

HEMMING: Justice King: "These attacks can only be described as savage." Returned home & hid bloody clothes. Found it hard to go to sleep. — Kate Jones (@Kate_Jones7) October 24, 2014

Justice King said the Adamson's children, a son and daughter, had experienced anger, grief, bewilderment and frustration that their parents had been killed in their own home.

"Above all they feel loss," she said.

"It was unfortunate that their son was the person who found the bodies and undoubtedly that will be difficult to ever erase."

Despite initially denying his involvement Hemming eventually admitted both murders.

The court heard he went to the Adamsons' home, nearby to where he lived with his family, about 6am on February 19, asking to use their phone.

He then set upon Mr Adamson, stabbing him in the back multiple times with what Justice King called a "large and lethal looking knife".

His wife Cheryl died defending him. She picked up a broom and hit Hemming repeatedly but he then turned on her.

"Cheryl Adamson died protecting her husband and then herself," Justice King said.

"They were good, decent and caring neighbours and community members.

"Your crimes have had an adverse impact on so many people."

Hemming will have to serve 27 years of the 33 year sentence before becoming eligible for parole.

He has already served 244 days.

News break - October 24