Brisbane Supreme Court Justice David Boddice on Thursday ruled that despite Fletcher’s terminal lung cancer diagnosis, he remains a dangerous threat to women.

Fletcher was the first person in Queensland to receive an indefinite sentence in 1998 – life without the possibility of parole.

Over a two-decade life of crime, Fletcher attacked at least four women and murdered one and has now spent 23 years in custody.

Fletcher was jailed for life in 1998 for the murder of Brisbane schoolgirl Janet Phillips, before later being handed an indefinite sentence for an attack on a teenager at Wynnum railway station.

The rapist appeared by video link on Thursday for a routine review of his indefinite sentence, which can only be lifted by order of a judge.

Fletcher, who represented himself, made no application for release.

The court heard he had refused to undertake sexual offending courses and had refused psychiatric treatment.

Health experts said Fletcher’s condition had stabilised in recent months and he had returned to work.

He has also refused medical intervention and exploratory treatment for cancer.

Justice Boddice found Fletcher had a history of serious acts of violence against women.

“He is now 64 years of age – he does not wish for his indefinite sentence to be discharged and makes no such application,” he said.

“He remains a danger to the community – notwithstanding his serious medical condition … he remains a real and present danger to vulnerable young women.”

Fletcher did not react as he was effectively sentenced to die behind bars, calmly waiting to return to his cell.