A chilling brush with evil: How Meshel Laurie knew one of serial killer Peter Dupas' victims after she met her while working as a receptionist at a Melbourne brothel in the 1990s
Meshel Laurie has detailed her chilling brush with notorious serial killer Peter Dupas while working as a receptionist at a Melbourne brothel in the 1990s.
Reported in The Daily Telegraph on Sunday, the comedian turned Australian True Crime podcaster revealed she once met the killer's final victim, counsellor Nicole 'Nikki' Patterson, who she fondly described as being 'wonderful'.
The 48-year-old explained that her 'beautiful boss' Miss Vick used to set up staff meetings once a month, something she had found 'hilarious' at the time.
Connection: Meshel Laurie has revealed she met one of serial killer Peter Dupas' victims whom she met while working in a Melbourne brothel in the 1990s
'One month, she had this young woman come who was a counsellor and psychotherapist to talk about self-esteem issues, self-care and mental health,' she recalled.
The psychotherapist turned out to be Nicole, with Meshel speaking warmly of her 'wonderful' methods of speaking to those who worked in the brothel with a sincere intention.
'I remember she ran out of cards and she started getting bits of paper and writing her phone number on them,' Meshel said.
Caring: 'I remember she ran out of cards and she started getting bits of paper and writing her phone number on them,' Meshel said of Nicole Patterson (pictured)
'She said, ''I'm starting up my own practice out of my house. And this is the number if you want an appointment''.'
Nicole went on to start her practice at her Northcote home in Melbourne's inner suburbs, with her excitedly telling family her first client was 'Malcolm'.
But on Monday 19 April, 1999, Patterson's neighbours reported hearing screams coming from her house between 9am and 9.30am.
Conviction: Peter was sentenced to life without parole in 2000 for the murder of Nicole. He was later convicted of two other murders
She was later found dead after being stabbed 27 times in her chest and back, with a portion of her flesh removed from her thigh.
She also had both breasts removed, which was the signature of serial killer Dupas.
Meshel said a number of the sex workers were confused when Nicole didn't answer their calls. They found out about her horrific murder through media reports.
Upset: Meshel said herself and a number of the girls found out she had been murdered after a number of the girls were confused Nicole didn't answer their calls. Here with podcast co-host host, Emily Webb
Dupas was arrested three days after the slaying.
'Because we worked night shifts we were always catching up with things a bit late – that she had been murdered,' she said.
'Of course, we were just shocked. We couldn't believe it.'
Comedy star: Meshel went on to become a star on the comedy circuit. Pictured in 2007
Meshel later struck-up a friendship with Nicole's sister, Kylie.
Dupas was sentenced to life without parole in 2000 for the murder of Nicole. He was later convicted of two other murders.
The revelation comes on the heels of Meshel releasing her new book, CSI Told You Lies by Meshel Laurie. The book is available on August 3.
Book: The revelation on the heels of Meshel releasing her new book, CSI Told You Lies by Meshel Laurie. The book is available on August 3
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