Three years after Vincent Stanford killed the bride-to-be, a source at Corrective Services NSW confirmed he had been classified as a “lifer”, meaning he will never be moved into minimum security.

Corrections Minister David Elliott said inmates serving a life sentence for horrendous crimes would be classified as “lifers” because of the risk they posed to the community.

“Lifers are responsible for some of the most horrendous crimes in the state and this new classification provides assurance that these inmates will serve out their full and just punishment of life behind barbed wire,” Mr Elliott said. 

“There will no longer be the prospect of any change in their classification and they will always remain in secure confinement to ensure we are keeping the community safe.”

The new classification clarifies security arrangements relating to the management and monitoring of inmates who face little or no prospect of release. Lifers cannot be housed in minimum-security prisons and their classification cannot be reduced despite the number of years they have served.

Mr Elliott said the changes would provide certainty for victims and their families about the management of the “worst of the worst”.

Vincent Stanford pleaded guilty to the murder of Ms Scott in July, 2016, more than 15 months after he sexually assaulted and killed the 26-year-old.