Former state prosecutor slams decision to grant Snowtown serial killer parole
James Spyridon Vlassakis has been behind bars since 2001 for the 'body in the barrels' murders, which were committed around Adelaide between August 1992 and May 1999.
The now 45-year-old has spent 26 years in jail.
Vlassakis was only 19-years old when he pleaded guilty to the murders of Troy Youde, 21, who was Vlassakis' half-brother, David Johnson, Vlassakis' step-brother, Frederick Brooks and Gary O'Dwyer.
He was the only member of the 'body in the barrels' murders to receive a non-parole period when sentenced.
Vlassakis has a suppression order in place, preventing him from being identified due to the evidence that lead to the conviction of his co-accused, Robert Wagner and Mark Haydon.
However, former director of public prosecutions Stephen Pallaras said the killer doesn't deserve to be back in the community, and said Vlassakis's good behaviour while behind bars is 'what they're meant to do'.
'I'm astonished they've even considered parole,' he told 7NEWS.
'I think the community are going to be astonished, shocked and frightened about this decision.
'The community expects that prisoners who commit such horrendous crimes are not free to walk around, and I would call on the attorney to do something about it.'
The attorney general, police commissioner and victims rights commissioner have 60 days to review and if there are grounds to appeal James Vlassakis' release on parole.
Attorney general Kyam Maher and Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said the parole board's grounds for release will be carefully considered.
'The bodies in the barrels case has a very significant impact I think on the psyche of South Australia and for a while how others saw South Australia,' Maher said,
'We will wait to get the formal reasons for the decision, we will wait to get all the conditions imposed then take advice.'
Stevens said the court 26 years ago could have made Vlassakis's non-parole period longer, and he will wait for further advice from his department.
'The court back at the time of sentencing applied a non-parole period of 26 years, that was a determination of the court, it was in the court's discretion to apply a longer period for parole,' he said.
'We will look at all circumstances and based on the advice I'm provided, which will also take into account community safety, I'll make a decision whether to make a review.'
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