The family of a notorious Australian serial killer claim they are being targeted by Sutton Council because of their blood ties to the deranged killer.

David and Julie Denyer moved to Carshalton with their children in a bid to escape the shadow of his brother Paul’s evil acts.

The serial killer, who murdered three young women in Melbourne in 1993, was sentenced to life, with a minimum of 30 years, and will not be eligible for parole until 2023.

The couple vowed to rebuild their shattered lives after 17 years of anguish, which has included Mr Denyer suffering several nervous breakdowns and two attempted suicides.

Mrs Denyer, 48, a reiki healer, who suffers from post traumatic stress disorder after being stalked and threatened by her murderous brother-in-law, said his impact on the family of six had been profound.

But over the last two years they allege his shadow has returned to haunt them after Sutton Council began action against them, which cannot be detailed for legal reasons, that they claim has “destroyed” them.

The couple have now lodged a complaint against the council to the ombudsman.

She said: “We moved here to get away from everything and make a new life for ourselves. But that has not been possible.

“Now the council’s ridiculous actions have only caused more pain, stress and worry and made my condition worse.”

A Sutton council spokesman said: “Action is only taken if there is evidence the allegations are legitimate and while we cannot comment on individual details of this case, we are confident that the correct procedures have been followed. We will assist the ombudsman in their enquiries as requested.”

Mr Denyer, 46, a Tesco employee, said he had been plagued by the stigma of his brother's crimes, which had also resulted in him being questioned over a double killing in England.

He said: “Because my surname is Denyer, I am lumped with it.

“This has followed me through life, day in, day out – everything that has happened is a consequence of Paul. We have never been in trouble with the law, but I still have to prove myself constantly and it’s not fair, it’s an injustice. We have suffered enough trauma already.

“If I allow myself to think about what happened and the consequences of his actions, I feel so much upset it scares me. I just want to be left alone and have some peace and quiet.”