James Vlassakis, the youngest of the four men involved in South Australia’s notorious “bodies-in-the-barrels” Snowtown murders, has been granted parole by the SA Parole Board, prompting strong public interest and a pending review decision by authorities.
Vlassakis, sentenced to life for his role in the murders of four of the 11 victims between 1992 and 1999, became eligible for parole after serving a 26-year non-parole period due to his cooperation with authorities.
SA’s Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said he would consider seeking a review of the decision, pending a discussion with Major Crime detectives and a review of the parole board’s reasoning.
“That would be the first point for us to start working through a process that’ll lead to a determination,” Mr Stevens told ABC Radio Adelaide, adding that public safety was one of the considerations.
Victims’ Rights Commissioner Sarah Quick also declined to confirm whether she would request a review, citing confidentiality requirements.
She acknowledged that victim responses to the decision were mixed, saying, “Some feel a real sense of injustice, while others have been anticipating this outcome and really are more resigned… Knowing that [Vlassakis] is subject to conditions for the rest of his life does bring some sense of security.”
Parole Board Chair Frances Nelson KC said Vlassakis met the legal criteria for release, adding the decision was made after careful assessment of risk and victim concerns.
Ms Nelson added Vlassakis wouldn’t be released directly into the community, but will enter a pre-release centre and undergo a resocialisation program.
Vlassakis, whose image remains suppressed, will face lifelong parole conditions, including exclusion zones and psychological counselling.
Ms Nelson noted he had been exemplary in prison and was aware of the challenges he would face post-release, including media attention and employment difficulties.
Source: ABC.
