James Vlassakis, one of the perpetrators in South Australia’s infamous Snowtown “bodies-in-the-barrels” murders, has been granted parole after serving 26 years behind bars.
Vlassakis, the youngest of the four men involved in the serial killings between 1992 and 1999, played a pivotal role in the original trial by acting as the key prosecution witness against ringleaders John Bunting and Robert Wagner – both of whom are serving life sentences without parole.
The South Australian Parole Board announced its decision on Tuesday afternoon, confirming that Vlassakis met the legislative criteria for release. However, he will not be released immediately.
Parole Board chair Frances Nelson KC stated there is now a 60-day window for appeals by the SA Attorney-General, the Commissioner for Victims’ Rights, or the Police Commissioner.
If no appeal is made or upheld, Vlassakis will be transferred to a pre-release facility for up to 12 months.
“We have to look at whether or not he presents a risk to the community and in our assessment he does not. His institutional behaviour has been excellent,” Ms Nelson said.
Source: ABC Adelaide
