CHILD killer David McGreavy is to spend more time behind bars after his application for parole was rejected.

According to sources in national newspapers over the weekend, it was reported the 55-year-old had failed in his bid for parole from the Home Office, as psychiatrists could not be sure he would not attack again.

McGreavy - dubbed the Butcher of Gillam Street - killed three young children and impaled their bodies on railings behind their home in April 1973. He was sentenced to life in prison, with a recommendation he serve at least 20 years.

It was feared McGreavy, aged 55, could be set free after serving 34 years after news last month that parole board chiefs were to discuss his release.

He was babysitting Dawn, Samantha and Paul Ralph while their mother Dorothy worked at the nearby Vauxhall Inn on the night of their deaths.

He has never said why he killed the children.

On hearing that parole had been refused the children's great aunt, Hazel Nicholls, cried with relief.

Mrs Nicholls, aged 80, said she believed her prayers had been answered.

She said: "It was a big worry that he would be let out. My family live all around Worcester and we didn't want to see him wandering around the streets. I'm just so pleased, I really am. I first heard that he might be let out when I read it in the Worcester News. It is quite painful having to read about it all the time, and hear it again and again. But I am so happy that it has been turned down.

"I think they say 20 years for a life but he killed three lives so that should be 60 years by rights. He shouldn't ever be let out. I think he should stay in there until he dies. There was no reason for him to do that. If the children were crying and all that, it would be better for him just to walk out, not just kill them We are never going to get them back.

And Mrs Nicholls, of Ladygo Lane, Hallow, near Worcester said how raw the story still felt.

"It was a time of great grief. It was a terrible time, it really was. But it is quite a relief to find out that he's never going to be freed. I'm so glad I really am. My prayers have been satisfied."

Rainbow Hill Councillor Adrian Gregson said he believed many local people and families would also be relieved with the news.

"All the concerns that have been around whether he will be release and whether he will come back to Worcester if he was released hopefully will go away," said Coun Gregson.

Manager of the Gillam Street Convenience Store, Varinder Sunsoa, added he thought many who lived on Gillam Street would be happy with the news.

"A few people who remember it are very bitter about him and hearing he may be released. They don't think he should get parole. But they will be pleased to hear he won't be released," he said.

Maxine Bosdyk, landlady of the nearby New Chequers Inn, said she was glad he didn't get parole, and believed justice had been served.

A pub regular, Barry Obrey added the thought life should mean life, and as three children were killed, this should be at least 60 years.

Mr Obrey said: "Everybody is talking about it, especially in this area. Many people were worried he would come back and visit the street."

He added that although it happened more than 30 years ago it was still as fresh in his mind.

"It was a long time ago. But it is a memory that stays with you for the rest of your life. It is something that you just don't get over."

And another regular, Frank McAuley added: "I think he should die in prison. He should never be let out."

A home office spokesman refused to comment, saying they would not reveal information about individual cases.