Between December 1989 and April 1992 seven backpackers went missing while travelling south from Sydney. The bodies of the seven backpackers were later discovered in the Belangalo State Forest between September 1992 and November 1993. Forensic evidence showed that each of the victims had been savagely attacked and the case soon developed international notoriety. In 1996 Ivan Milat was convicted for the murder of the seven backpackers, as well as one account of detaining for advantage. Milat was sentenced to life in prison, as well as 6 years in prison for the offence of detaining for advantage. Ivan Milat has always maintained that he is innocent and has appealed unsuccessfully on many occasions.