CANNIBAL killer David Harker is to be visited by detectives for the first time since he was convicted of mutilating a mother-of-four, The Northern Echo can reveal.

One of the detectives who led the investigation into the killing of Julie Paterson, whose torso was found in Darlington on May 16, 1998, will visit Harker to ask him where her missing remains are.

The 31-year-old's body was found in the garden of a derelict house in the town's Polam Lane eight years ago tomorrow, but, despite searches of rubbish tips, rivers and ponds, her head and limbs have never been found.

Chief Superintendent Dave Jones, of Durham Police, said he was planning to retire next year, but his final wish was to bring closure to Julie's death.

"Since the case concluded, the only question remaining is the whereabouts of Julie's missing body parts, which has never been established, " said the senior officer.

"I have never been to see Harker since he was convicted because I took the view that he would tell us to get lost.

"He refused to speak to the police back then, so I decided to let it settle before approaching him again in the hope it would give him time to think about it.

"If he has any kind of conscience and any shred of compassion, he will tell us.

"I feel I still owe it to Julie's family to try to bring it to a conclusion. They understandably want to make sure all of her remains are given a proper burial."

Harker was given a life sentence, with no chance of parole for 14 years, in February 1999, after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of Julie on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

During the investigation, one of the largest in Darlington's history, Julie's father, Jim Paterson, repeatedly appealed for information and attended Coxhoe tip, in County Durham, where detectives were trawling through tons of rubbish.

Yesterday, the 68-year-old, of Oswald Court, Durham City, said he could not fault police and said Chief Supt Jones had his blessing to go back to Harker.

"I hope and pray the officer comes back with some good news, " said Mr Paterson.

"It would be nice to finally lay Julie's remains to rest, but I have a feeling Harker will be as arrogant and cold as ever. I have been told that he has not changed one bit."

Mr Paterson said there was not a day that went by when he did not think about Julie, and he regularly visited her grave to lay flowers.

"I still feel very angry about what Harker did, " he said.

"I go to church every Sunday, but I'm not the kind of person that can forgive something like that.

"I don't think about Harker now, though. I just think about Julie. I only hope that he tells us what he did with her remains, then we can have closure."

Chief Supt Jones said Harker, now 32, could not be considered for parole for another six years, but he wanted to know the case was resolved before he retired.

"It was such a dreadful and unusual case, certainly the most unusual case I have ever been involved in - and so tragic in so many ways, " he said.

"I know this might stir up old memories for her family, but it is an attempt to give the family closure and Julie some dignity. She deserves that."