Jules Mikus still denies sex charges

There is DNA evidence linking Mikus to the victim (pictured), but he still denies any wrongdoing. Photo / Supplied

The man who murdered and raped Napier schoolgirl Teresa Cormack still denies any wrongdoing, an attitude scuppering his chance of freedom.

Jules Pierre Mikus, 57, was jailed for life in 2002 for the 1987 murder of Teresa. At the same time he was sentenced to an open-ended preventive detention sentence for her rape.

Teresa disappeared the day after her sixth birthday. She was abducted by Mikus while she was walking to school and her body was found in a shallow grave near Napier a week later.

DNA evidence linked him to the crime but Mikus appears to still be in denial, according to the latest report by the New Zealand Parole Board.

Released today, it says Mikus didn't show up for a scheduled hearing with the board earlier this month. He has not appeared at other hearings either, since becoming eligible for an early release in 2012.

"He signed a waiver. The reason given for doing so is that he is not appearing pending an appeal," says the report, signed by panel convenor Justice Marion Frater.

"We take it from that, that Mr Mikus is continuing to deny his index offences and, as far as we are aware, all previous sex offending."

Mikus has refused to undergo any rehabilitation, something the board says he needs. He is classed as "very high risk" of committing sexual offences again.

"In the circumstances there is no question of parole. It is declined."

Mikus' next hearing is scheduled for March, before which the board will consider issuing a postponement order, meaning it will not have to see Mikus for up to five years.

The board had previously issued a three-year order that was in force until this year, but beefed up legislation now gives it the power to issue longer postponements.

Sperm and hair found on Teresa's body was kept, and in 2000, using new technology, was matched to Mikus.

He has previously claimed he will appeal his convictions.

Mikus has a lengthy criminal record dating back to the 1970s.